CENTRALIA, IL — We’re learning more details today about a Sunday night fire that caused significant damage to McGuire’s Grill and Bar in Wamac. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, which was already through the roof of the kitchen area upon arrival. Though there was heavy smoke and water damage throughout the building, no injuries were reported. McGuire’s was closed at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Below is a post shared on the McGuire’s Grill & Bar Facebook;

“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with condolences and support during this challenging time for us. We have unfortunately lost our business to what is believed to be an electrical fire. Please keep our entire team at McGuires in your thoughts, particularly Erika Lynn Ryan has invested just as much effort into this as I have. I will get back to you all when im ready, which just isnt a state im currently in. We hope to be back to serving our community in the future.

I also want to remind everyone to ensure that your insurance plans are current and adequately cover the necessary aspects of your homes and businesses. Don’t rely solely on your agent; always verify the details yourself. If you don’t think something like this can happen to you, it most definitely can.

Additionally, for those who may be overly curious, please consider that when you drive by, walk up on the scene, film, fly drones, or share on social media about someone’s tragedy, you are witnessing the loss of their entire life. There’s nothing quite like seeing images of the business where I’ve dedicated a decade of my life, raised my children, worked tirelessly, and invested all my savings, burn on Facebook with commentary before I have to watch it be destroyed in person. The way I see these tragedies is forever changed.”