Fire Closes Portillo's In Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL -- The Portillo's restaurant in Tinley Park caught fire Monday morning shortly after it opened. It is expected to be closed for at least a full day as necessary repairs are made and inspections are performed.

Tinley Park Deputy Fire Chief Steve Klotz said fire crews arrived at the restaurant at 15900 S. Harlem Ave. at 10:35 a.m. and saw smoke coming from the roof of the building. Helped by crews from Orland Park and Oak Forest, the fire was put out in about 10 minutes according to Klotz.

"The guys did a fantastic job of maintaining a quick fire response and were able to control it in the kitchen area making sure it did not extend," Klotz said.

The fire started in the fryer food processing area. Klotz said dry chemical extinguishers were used to put out the fire since water is not to be used on grease.

Smoke filled up the entire restaurant, but the fire was limited to the kitchen area and did not spread to any other structures in the area.

About 15 or 20 employees were evacuated from the building and it appeared there weren't any customers present at the time, Klotz said.

No one was injured.

"The employees all got out with no problems," said Klotz.