Firefighter among 2 hurt in propane fire at Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park
Early Morning Blaze
A man possibly trying to stay warm apparently started a fire in a storage area for a popular Lincoln Park restaurant early Friday. The fire occurred at 4:20 a.m. at Cafe Brauer, 2021 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago Fire Department officials said.
Fire Department Response
The fire was in the shed where the propane tanks are stored, said fire department spokesperson Larry Langford. “The tanks were on fire.” A hazardous materials alarm was called during the emergency because propane is flammable. A firefighter was taken to Rush University Medical Center with a “very minor” injury while the 46-year-old man possibly involved with the fire was hospitalized with a medical issue and taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was in fair condition, police said. Neither injury was burn-related.
Community Reaction
Catalina Marulanda, a 29-year-old resident of the building, was awakened early Friday by her cat, Sunny, who was meowing loudly. Marulanda looked out her 17th-floor apartment window and saw the fire burning. “I start seeing like these really big flames start getting bigger and bigger and a lot of smoke coming out of a building,” she said.
Heroic Cat
Marulanda credited her cat, Sunny, with waking her up and alerting her to the fire. “My cat was the one that woke me up,” she said. “He’s a hero.” If it wasn’t for Sunny, the damage caused by the fire could have been much worse.
Investigation
The fire was quickly extinguished, and the incident has been turned over to police for a criminal investigation, officials said. Marulanda said she initially thought the fire happened at the farm area of Lincoln Park Zoo, but zoo officials confirmed no animals were harmed in the fire.
Conclusion
The fire at Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the potential dangers of propane fires. The community is grateful that the injuries were minor and that the fire was quickly extinguished.
FAQs
Q: What caused the fire at Cafe Brauer?
A: A man possibly trying to stay warm started a fire in a storage area for propane tanks.
Q: Were anyone injured in the fire?
A: Yes, a firefighter and a 46-year-old man were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.
Q: Was anyone hurt by burns?
A: No, neither injury was burn-related.
Q: Did the fire cause any damage to the building?
A: The fire was quickly extinguished, but the incident has been turned over to police for a criminal investigation.
Q: Is the cafe open for business?
A: The status of the cafe’s operations is unknown at this time.
