An early-morning fire damaged a restaurant less than a year after it opened in downtown Princeton, Illinois.
It happened at Habaneros, 630 South Main Street, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. Firefighters were called there at about 1:30 a.m.
Heavy smoke was visible when firefighters arrived, and flames quickly engulfed the business. About 50 firefighters from a dozen different departments worked the fire.
Habaneros has occupied the space in the former TownsEnd building for less than a year, opening in early June 2012.
Residents say the restaurant was newly remodeled and included decorations made of hay and other flammable materials.
Princeton Fire Chief, Chuck Woolley told News 8 the fire could continue to smolder for up to 2 or 3 more days.
Very Important Pet Grooming occupies the same building. Owner, Beth Mead says her business suffers from significant water and smoke damage. She has been in that building for 8 years and says she has no choice but to start looking for a new location.
"I haven't put much thought to it, I am going to have to forward my phone and try to find a new place to try to establish my business," Mead tells us.
Firefighters remained on the scene until about 10 a.m. The cause of the fire was not yet released.
No injuries were reported.
