Fox Lake firefighters have hands full with tavern blaze

Fox Lake firefighters are investigating the cause of a Monday night fire at Oz on 12's.

Fox Lake Fire Department Asst. Fire Chief Tom Preidis said flames were seen on 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.

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

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

Jakstas, who was at the scene after the fire was discovered, 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 to the building.

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

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