Firefighters continue to investigate a fire that caused an estimated $100,000 in smoke and water damage to HopScotch & Vine along with nearby businesses in downtown Plainfield on Wednesday.
No one was injured in the fire. All occupants of the restaurant and neighboring businesses were safely evacuated, the Plainfield Fire Protection District said.
About 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, the Western Will County Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a fire inside the restaurant, which is located at 24047 W. Lockport St.
Fire crews arrived to the scene within four minutes and encountered heavy smoke and an active kitchen fire, the fire district said in a news release.
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The building’s automatic sprinkler system contained the fire to the immediate kitchen area. Firefighters quickly deployed a hose line to extinguish the fire, while additional crews assisted with evacuations and ventilated the building, according to the release.
“All indications show the sprinkler system played a critical role in stopping this fire from spreading beyond the kitchen,” Plainfield Deputy Fire Chief Mark Reynolds said in the release. “Because the system activated as designed, firefighters were able to gain control quickly and prevent a much larger and more dangerous incident.”
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In a Facebook post, HopScotch & Vine states one of its fryers caught fire.
“Our brave staff went above and beyond and tried to extinguish,” the post states. “However, it was the Plainfield Fire Department to the rescue. The first responders we had today were beyond wonderful. The fire, police, paramedics and village staff went above and beyond to assist with what was a very scary situation.”
The restaurant opened in downtown Plainfield in 2012.
“We were preparing for a new menu release and 14-year anniversary party / menu relaunch in a few weeks,” the post states. “That will have to wait. We will be closed as we try to clean up and get ready to invite everyone back in.”
The Plainfield Fire Protection District received assistance from the Troy, Oswego, Lockport and Naperville fire agencies. The Plainfield Police Department and Plainfield Emergency Management Agency also supported operations.
Station coverage during the incident was provided by the Bristol Kendall, Channahon and Minooka fire districts, as well as the Naperville Fire Department.

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