Extensive damage was done to a restaurant in Loda and apartments behind the restaurant. The cause is undetermined, but local officials say “it’s suspicious.”

The Loda Fire department is working with the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department and the State Fire Marshall in the investigation.

Monday night’s fire broke out in the downtown area about 10 pm. The Owl’s Nest Restaurant and the apartments were damaged. No one was injured. Occupants of the apartments escaped without injury.

Loda Fire Chief Harold Ecker said there was quite a bit of damage to the apartments behind the restaurant. The restaurant, upfront, sustained a lot of smoke and water damage.

Mutual aid assisted Loda firemen. They were at the scene until about 2:30 am. Hot spots were monitored until around 4 am.

Volunteer firemen from Buckley, Cissna Park, Roberts, Melvin And Thawville answered the call.

94.1 WGFA