GALLATIN CO. (Equality), Ill.—The restaurant that was largely destroyed by fire last night in the village of Equality was scheduled to be signed over to new ownership this Thursday, according to local reports.
The Red Onion in Equality last night after firefighters had cleared the scene
Frank Sisk
Sources in Equality said the Red Onion, owned by Equality mayor and local businessman Frank Sisk, is still standing but the interior has heavy smoke damage from a fire that broke out yesterday evening (Tuesday, August 12, 2014) around 6 p.m. in the kitchen area of the business, this after the restaurant had been closed for a few hours. Firefighters from Equality and Eldorado battled the blaze for an hour; one firefighter was taken to Harrisburg Medical Center with smoke inhalation. The fire rekindled shortly after the departments had left the scene, and the Equality department was toned out, but it was put down quickly.
Equality sources are the ones who advised that the restaurant was to have been signed over Thursday to a new owner. We do have a name but are holding it for confirmation. There has been no word on how significant the loss is in the building, one of the few viable businesses remaining in Equality.
More as we get it; check back frequently.