BC Steve’s Blog

On August 6th, 2007, the Solon Ohio Fire and Rescue Department responded to a reported structure fire at The Solon Freeway Lanes, a bowling alley, at about 3pm. The first unit arrived on the scene 2 minutes after the initial alarm. 11 firefighters responded with an Engine, Ladder Truck, Rescue Squad and a Command Car. The first in officer reported moderate smoke throughout the building and an active audible alarm.

The crew had been directed to go to the kitchen area where the fire was believed to be. Upon reaching this area, it was determined that a grease fire originated in a fryer and appeared to be under control.

It seems the fryer had been briefly unattended and overheated. It caught fire and eventually activated the in hood extinguishing system. This was not controlling the fire. A kitchen worker then attempted to extinguish it by using a dry chemical extinguisher which only pushed the flame outside of the hood area and up toward the ceiling. This activated a single sprinkler head which cooled the surrounding area and allowed the other extinguishing agents a chance to work. Had this sprinkler head not been there, the $500 loss surely would have been much higher due to flame spread, and many lives would have been in peril. The establishment was back up and running later that day.

This building went through a major renovation several years ago. While the architects were trying to get around putting sprinklers in, the SFD Fire Prevention Bureau was persistent in their request for its installation. That investment more than paid for itself this day while allowing our members to return safely to their stations. Well done.

Battalion Chief, Steven D. Nash

Solon, Ohio FD

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