FIRE BREAKS OUT AT JACKSON RESTAURANT

JACKSON -- Firefighters from Jackson and Cape Girardeau battled a blaze at the Jackson McDonald's Restaurant Wednesday night as the Southeast Missourian went to press.

At about 8:30 p.m., the Jackson Fire Department responded to the report of a fire at the restaurant, at 2220 E. Highway 61. By 9 p.m., the building was engulfed in flames.

Jerry Davis, the owner of the McDonald's, said the crew and customers were evacuated from the building when firefighters arrived.

An employee of the fast-food restaurant said the fire started in the rear of the building where the water heater is kept.

Gina Hobeck, the manager on duty at the time of the fire, wasn't permitted to talk with a Missourian reporter at the instruction of a supervisor.

The supervisor said he didn't know how many employees or customers were in the structure when it caught fire.

"We're having trouble putting it out," said a Jackson firefighter about 9:15 p.m.

The supervisor said the building's tar roof was fueling the fire. No one was injured in the blaze.