December 9, 2001 – An early morning fire destroyed a downtown Gilbert landmark. Gilbert firefighters were called to the former DiLeon’s Café around 12:00 a.m. When they arrived, they found the two story building engulfed in heavy smoke. According to Gilbert Fire Chief Tom Kramar, firefighters attempted an interior attack through the front entrance of the building, but the smoke and flames drove them back. "Our firehall is right across from the building and we were on the scene immediately, but the building was already burning heavily," said Kramar. From that point on, firefighters switched to a defensive mode, keeping the fire from spreading to the nearby Quad City Food Shelf. The Fayal Township Fire Department was called in for assistance. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chief Kramar told The Northland Fire Wire that the building was being remodeled at the time.

Photos: Gilbert firefighters continue to put water and foam on the former DiLeon’s Café in Gilbert.