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LUNCHTIME BLAZE DAMAGES
MONTGOMERYVILLE RESTAURANT
(11/26/07 - Montgomery
Township)
- The Montgomery Township
Fire Marshal's office says excessive grease buildup was at the
root of a midday fire that damaged a local Houlihan's
restaurant.
Firefighters were
called to the scene shortly before 1:00pm after a passerby
called 911 to report smoke and fire were visible from the roof
of the restaurant. Squad 18 reported light smoke showing
upon arrival and laid in from the nearest hydrant. Ladder
18 followed shortly after and extended the aerial platform for
roof operations as Chief 18 Dave Vasconez established command.
Firefighters then
dragged a 2 1/2" attack line to the kitchen where they found
fire extending into the ventilation duct leading to the roof.
Firefighter efforts were initially hampered as many patrons had
failed to evacuate the restaurant.
The fire was
declared under control within a half hour, and there were no
injuries reported. FDMT Fire Chief Dave Vasconez stated
that "the fire lit off as a result of heavy grease buildup in
the duct work above the grill. The fire was contained to
the duct with no extension to the restaurant."
Houlihan's was
closed down following the blaze until
representatives from the Montgomery County Health Department
could assess the situation and give clearance for the restaurant
to reopen.
F.D.M.T. was
assisted on the call by units from North Penn Fire Company
(Station 62), Fairmount Fire Company (Station 14), and Upper
Gwynedd (Station 80).
(Photos courtesy of Chief 18 David Vasconez
and Melanie Vasconez)
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