Two Businesses Burn in Three-Alarm Fire

Date of Incident: Thursday, April 25, 2002

Location: 4017 Urban Street

Response: 14 pieces of heavy fire equipment, 60 firefighters

Times: 1^st alarm – 1:56 p.m.; 2^nd alarm – 2:03 p.m.; 3^rd alarm – 2:16 p.m.;

fire under control at 3:31 p.m.

Cause: Electrical short

Injuries: None.

Damages: $120,000 total: $80,000 to structure, and $40,000 to contents

Details: First-arriving firefighters reported heavy smoke showing from this multi-business structure. After entering the building, firefighters determined that the fire was burning primarily in the attic area as they made an interior fire attack. With the fire continuing to progress inside the building, it was becoming unsafe for firefighters operating inside. The decision was made to remove all firefighters from inside the building and to begin an exterior attack. The roof at one end of the building collapsed after firefighters were withdrawn, and heavy water streams were directed on the structure from above until the fire was brought under control at 3:31 p.m. An adjacent business was spared from fire damage but did suffer smoke and water damage.

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