"There are no words for the heartbreak:" Fire destroys Rosie's on Taylor in Racine



RACINE -- Racine firefighters on New Year's Day were called out to a fire at Rosie's on Taylor -- a family diner on Taylor Avenue in Racine.

According to police, multiple 911 calls just after 4:30 p.m. reported smoke coming from the building.

Wind chills hovered around -16 degrees when the Racine Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, fire was observed burning through the roof.



Firefighters employed defensive firefighting tactics for most of the blaze -- with concern for roof collapse due to heavy air handling equipment mounted to the roof.

Fire damage was contained to the diner.

No injuries were reported.

The building is a total loss and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A FOX6 viewer named Faith Allen shared the below photos from the scene:

PHOTO GALLERY



Rosie's on Taylor released the following statement on their Facebook page:

There are no words for the heartbreak we are feeling. If you know anything about Rosie’s, you know we are more than just a restaurant, we are family. Everyone from our employees, to our loyal customers, is what makes Rosie’s so special.

Our family, especially my dad, has worked devastatingly hard to build Rosie’s to what it is today. It is a travesty to see this happen to a place that we have watched grow, and that has been such a big piece of our hearts for the last 15 and a half years.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all who are showing their love, prayers, and support for our family.