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Morning Fire at Restaurant Causes Detour on Blackhawk Road

Traffic on Blackhawk Road in Rock Island is still blocked between 24th and 30th streets due to a fire. Around 4:00 a.m., firefighters were called to Jake O's Grille in the 2900 block, next to the Virdi Eye Clinic.

Blackhawk Road had to be closed because the fire hydrants are located on the north side with the restaurant on the south. And the building is located close to the road without room for fire trucks in the parking lot.

Battalion Chief Doug DuBree arrived after the first fire truck. They tried to go on the offensive to put out the fire from inside, but the roof was not stable and collapsed after firefighters went back outside. The crews then switched to fighting the fire defensively.

Assistant Fire Chief Bob Graff says that means firefighters stay outside to contain the fire and protect buildings nearby. He's not sure if the restaurant is a total loss. That will be up to the fire marshal and city inspectors.

A crew from the Rock Island Arsenal helped the Rock Island Fire Department which sent eight trucks and four ambulances to Jake O's Grille. Graff says firefighters took turns spraying water into the building and stayed warm in the back of the ambulances.

(Thanks to Todd Mizener and The Dispatch &  Rock Island Argus for audio and photos.)

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
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