RICH SQUARE – A popular restaurant in the heart of downtown Rich Square is closed due to a weekend fire.

The interior of Salamis Pizza and Subs, located at 101 East Jackson Street, was heavily damaged due to the blaze that broke out at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

Rich Square fireman, and former Chief, Jonathan Morris was the first to spot the blaze as he was passing by.

“It looked really bad from the outset, but the guys did one heck of a job to save the building, as well as the adjoining buildings on that block,” Morris said.

Morris said the worst of the fire was contained to the kitchen area.

“The fire got into the ceiling and then to the second floor, but we were able to knock the fire down before it got to the roof,” Morris said.

“From outside you can’t tell there was a fire there, not unless you look real close at the windows and see the blackened areas from the smoke” he added.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Personnel and equipment from the Woodland and Lasker Fire Departments assisted the Rich Square firefighters.

Morris said the Rich Square personnel and units remained on the scene until shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday.