FRIDAY MORNING WAS THE FIRST TIME in 13 years that the temperature went below zero degrees in Louisville, Kentucky. And it was during that memorable morning that the Louisville Fire Department had two simultaneous commercial fires.
Courier-Jounal / Huber photo
Just after 3 am a fire was reported in a large church and brought 15 units and 75 firefighters to the scene. One hour later another alarm came in, this time for a restaurant. This fire required another 8 companies and 45 firefighters. With the on-duty force suddenly depleted and the situation complicated by the sub-zero temperatures, the FD initiated an immediate call-back of both off-duty shifts to cover the stations and man the reserve apparatus.
Transit buses were brought in for warming
and re-hab service. (Courier-Journal / Hall)
The fire in the Portland Avenue Presbyterian Church gutted the building which was built in the 1920′s. Despite at least two hydrants freezing up, the FF’s were able to maintain a fire flow. An initial investigation shows that the fire started in the church’s basement. The cause is still undetermined.
The Mimosa Cafe and Egg Roll Machine, which has been in business for 12 years, was also completely destroyed by the fire which started in a trash bin outside the rear of the building. The FD made a determined effort to contain the fire and not let it extend to a veterinary clinic next door where several animals were boarded.
Courier-Journal / Hall
The Louisville Courier-Journal has the STORY.
WHAS-TV Ch. 11 has a video report on the restaurant fire:
Recent Comments