The Evanston Fire Department credited sprinklers and a quick response for saving a Subway restaurant and adjoining businesses when fire broke out at 1900 Dempster St.. today during a busy lunch hour.
When the call came in at 1:02 p.m., said Division Chief Paul Polep, fire equipment from neighboring communities was brought in to assist with the blaze.
First arriving companies, Polep said, encountered heavy smoke coming from the front of the building, with reports of fire inside.
Firefighters noticed an activated sprinkler system was keeping the fire in check, enabling crews to extinguish the fire quickly. Subway patrons and employees were able to get out of the building before firemen arrived, Polep said.
Although the restaurant suffered significant smoke and water damage, said Polep, there were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.
Cause of the fire remains under investigation with no foul play expected, Polep added.