Spring Grove tavern fire investigated

Fox Lake firefighters are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out at Oz on 12's at just after 10 p.m. Monday.

Fox Lake Fire Department Asst. Fire Chief Tom Preidis said flames were apparent from the roof of the structure at 37540 Route 12 in Spring Grove when fire crews rolled onto the scene at just after 10 p.m.

He said firefighters were able to attack the blaze, but had to call for mutual aid assistance from 14 other departments to knock the fire completely out.

He said no one was injured.

"Smoke was rolling out of the roof when we got there, and there were flames coming out of the walls," he said Tuesday. "Fire investigators are still looking into what took place so it's still under investigation."

The property is owned by Pete Jakstas Sr., who is also the owner of the Mineola Marine and Lounge at 91 Cora Drive in Fox Lake.

Jakstas, who was at the scene after the fire broke out, said he believes the blaze started in some electrical wiring and traveled through the walls to the roof.

He estimated there is about $150,000 in damages at the property.

"It got the roof and everything upstairs," he said. "Thankfully, no one was injured."

Jakstas said the tavern itself is owned by Rick Michniewicz, and that a contract is in place to sell the property to the bar owner.