Last night a fire swept through Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood. The Chicago fire department rushed over to Costa’s Greek Dining & Bar at 340 South Halsted Street just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday night and fought a 4-alarm fire that was announced ’struck out’ by about 3 a.m. on Monday.
Firefighters saw smoke rising from the back of the building.  They soon discovered that the kitchen located in the rear of the building was fully engulfed in flames. The fire advanced through the roof soon after the firefighters arrived, and extended to the north side of the building. The fire continued to spread to a neighboring building that houses Athens Grocery, the Pan Hellenic Pastry Shop and Greektown Gift and Music Shop. The Greektown fire was still burning Monday morning.  Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

A Chicago Fire Department spokesman said authorities were investigating a deep fryer as the possible cause of the fire, but no final determination had been made as of Monday afternoon.

“We were saddened to learn about the fire that devastated four businesses in Chicago’s beloved Greektown section” said Nicholas Karakostas president of A.H.E.P.A., the largest Greek organization in the US.

“As such, I’ve asked AHEPA chapters in the Chicagoland area to explore ways in which they can help those in need.”.

“Obviously Greektown is a favorite destination of many visitors to Chicago, and it holds a special place in the hearts of all Greek Americans.

“The strength and determination of the vibrant Greek-American community of Chicago will help the rebuilding process, and more importantly, aid those individuals who are affected by this disaster.”