UPDATED 11:08 a.m. January 22, 2024

MARION – The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating an early Monday morning fire on the east side of Tower Square in Marion.

Marion Fire along with several other area fire departments were called in to fight the fire at the Little Nashville Café and Martini Joe’s on the Square. Martini Joe’s is located underneath Little Nashville.

Aaron Smith, with Little Nashville Café, told us the fire started in the vacant basement below Little Nashville. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire. It caused only minimal damage throughout the rest of the building, largely smoke damage. The cause of the fire is not known as this time. 

Smith says they are working with the health department to determine the best course of action to safely reopen as soon as possible.

ORIGINAL STORY

MARION – Marion firefighters were called out early Monday morning to a structure fire on Tower Square.

When firefighters arrived, smoke was seen coming from Martini Joe’s on the Square and from Little Nashville on the east side of the Square.  

Several area fire departments were called to assist Marion Fire. Tower Square was closed to traffic.

No other details are available at this time.