Remembering Frankie I's

Popular eatery Frankie I's Bar and Grill on state Route 19 was destroyed by fire Thursday night, and by Friday morning, sympathy messages were pouring in on the business's Facebook page.

"On behalf of The RPG's, we are saddened by the terrible news. Frankie I's had become our 'home' bar to play. It's an honor to be the last band to play on your unique stage. We hope you rebuild soon!" Larry Wright wrote.

Another man said he was thankful for the lack of injuries.

"The best thing is that no one was hurt, remember Great White? God bless you all at Frankie I's," James Herron said on the page.

"I'm so sorry about the fire," Diane Howard wrote. "So many people i know and I loved hanging out here. The food was amazing, great bands, and great people. i read the articles and saw that everyone made it out ok. i'm glad to hear everyone is safe. I hope you rebuild."

Multiple fire companies responded to Thursday's blaze, where numrous passersby stood quiety in the rain watching as flames shot out the roof and fireman worked from the ground and from aerial platforms to quell it.

No injuries were reported, but a portion of state Route 19 was shut down while crews fought the fire.

North Strabane Fire Chief Mark Grimm said the fire broke out around 6:30 and took crews nearly four hours to bring it under control.

The fire started in the kitchen when there were about 20 patrons inside, and that the owner unsuccessfully attempted to put the fire out himself. He also made sure that about 20 patrons inside got out safetly.

"He did the right thing," Grimm said.

He deemed the building a total loss.

Water pressure had been an issue for the departments fighting the blaze because of where the restaurant was situated, and Grimm lauded Pennsylvania American Water Co. for its assistance Thursday night on the matter.

While a state fire Marshal is still investigating, he preliminary information indicates is was likely accidental.

In additional to North Strabane, Peters, Canonsburg, Chartiers, Houston, City of Washington, South Strabane, Cross Creek and Mt. Pleasant all assisted.