The Plainfield Fire Protection District at the scene of a fire in the downtown business district of Plainfield on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo provided by Plainfield Fire Protection District)The owner of HopScotch & Vine restaurant is blaming a fryer for starting a fire that caused an estimated $100,000 in smoke and water damage to the restaurant along with nearby businesses in downtown Plainfield. All occupants of the restaurant and neighboring businesses were safely evacuated, the Plainfield Fire Protection District said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Plainfield Fire Protection District and MABAS Division 15 fire investigators. Firefighters from Plainfield Fire Protection District and other departments responded to a fire Wednesday at HopScotch and Vine at 24047 W. Lockport St. in downtown Plainfield.