by Camila Orti

Omaha Fire Department officials estimate a fire caused around $250,000 in damage to an iconic neighborhood landmark. Crews responded to a two-alarm building fire Friday afternoon at the Sons of Italy Hall near 11th and William streets. Officials said the structure caught fire around 2:25 p.m. A second-alarm was called in about 10 minutes later. The fire was under control around 3 p.m., according to officials.

Five engines, three trucks and dozens of firefighters responded to the call. Officials reported moderate smoke coming from the building on arrival, but firefighters had a hard time locating the blaze. Crews found "heavy fire" in the kitchen, according to reports. Officials with Order Sons of Italy- the group that runs the hall and restaurant- told KETV NewsWatch 7 that the fire destroyed nearly everything inside, and the building will likely have to be gutted. Financial secretary Rose Carlotto said the organization had just recently renovated the building's entryway.

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Source: http://www.ketv.com/