Fire Causes Extensive Damage To Former Larry's Diner Building

PLAINFIELD, IL — A fire at a vacant restaurant caused over $200,000 in damage Monday evening in the 24500 block of Lockport Street in Plainfield, fire officials said.

The fire broke out at the former Larry's Diner building, WJOL reported.

A fire in the one-story restaurant was reported just after 5 p.m., and firefighters arrived within four minutes of receiving the dispatch, according to the Plainfield Fire Protection District.

Firefighters found a fire actively burning on the rear exterior of the building, including a storage shed that was against the building, according to a news release. Firefighters quickly extinguished the exterior fire, but upon further investigation, discovered that the fire had extended into the attic space inside the restaurant, officials said.

Multiple area fire departments provided mutual aid to fight the blaze, and additional units were deployed to cover Plainfield fire stations.

No injuries were reported to firefighters, and the building was confirmed to be vacant at the time of the fire.

According to a release from the Plainfield Fire Protection District, the building is uninhabitable, and estimated damage exceeds $200,000.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Plainfield Police and Plainfield Emergency Management assisted with traffic control and firefighter rehabilitation as crews fought the fire, and Nicor and Com Ed were requested and secured the utilities to the building.

Larry's Diner closed in May 2023. At the time, its owners said they planned to relocate. The eatery had been open since 2000.