Fire evacuates Penny Road Pub in South Barrington

A drape behind the basement stage in the Penny Road Pub near South Barrington caught fire Saturday evening while a band was performing, forcing the evacuation of the business but causing no injuries to occupants or staff.

Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District firefighters were called to the pub, 545 Penny Road, at 6:56 p.m. in response to a reported structure fire. Crews arrived in less than two minutes to find the black cloth drape on fire and smoke in the business' basement and first floor, according to the fire district.

Donald Wenschhof III, assistant fire chief, said the smoke caused moderate smoke damage in the basement and milder smoke damage on the main and second floors.

Wenschhof said the establishment was full when the fire started.

"There were bands playing on the basement and main floor stages," Wenschhof said Sunday afternoon. "People were having a good time."

The music was put on hold for around three hours while the firefighters put out the fire in the basement and then tested the building for carbon monoxide levels.

After determining the building was safe to re-enter, fire crews gave the all clear and the evening continued on, though Wenschhof said the building's management was instructed not to have a band play on the basement stage the rest of the night.

Wenschhof said quite a few people hung around outside the pub and after the firefighters left he said he believes many went back in to continue their evening.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. Wenschhof said he expects the investigators to have their report on the matter filed Tuesday.