Star Grill owner calls fire 'devastating'
WINFIELD TWP — A fire ravaged a Marwood Road restaurant Sunday afternoon.
Janet Housekeeper, co-owner of the Star Grill, said this morning it's difficult to lose everything in the business to a fire.
“It is devastating,” Housekeeper said.
However, she is grateful no one was injured.
“That was a blessing,” Housekeeper said.
She said authorities believe the cause may have been electrical. The chief of the Winfield Township Volunteer Fire Company could not be reached for comment.
A damage estimate was unavailable. The owners are insured.
While the restaurant was closed, the tenants in the upstairs apartment were home. But they escaped in time.
“They got out,” Housekeeper said.
The tenants called 911 at 11:59 a.m. and notified Janet and her husband, Danny Housekeeper.
Firefighters rescued the tenants' cat from the apartment.
More than 30 fire departments assisted Winfield in battling the blaze.
Steve Bicehouse, director of county emergency services, said numerous departments were needed due to a lack of fire hydrants in that area.
“Water was the big issue,” Bicehouse said.
Janet Housekeeper praised the firefighters for their efforts.
“They were just awesome,” she said.
The Housekeepers have owned the business for 18 years.Janet Housekeeper said a lot of families frequented the restaurant.She reiterated the most important thing was no one was hurt.“I'm just glad everybody's safe.”
