NEWS RELEASE

Date: December 6, 2011
Contact: Battalion Chief: John Leigh 324-2200
Public Information Officer: Chad Fitzgerald   593-3289

Rapid Response and Sprinklers Minimize Restaurant Fire

Clovis Fire Department responded to a restaurant fire on 393 W. Shaw, suite A14 at 5:04 Tuesday morning.  Initially reported by the alarm company due to water flowing from the fire sprinkler system, Clovis units arrived on-scene within 5-minutes reporting smoke coming from the restaurant located in the strip mall.  With confirmation that no one was present inside and fire sprinkler system preventing the fire from spreading, firefighters entered the structure to suppress the blaze.  Additional personnel assisted in shutting down utilities ventilating the structure and ensuring the blaze had not spread to adjacent suites through a shared attic.  The combination of active fire sprinklers and rapid response by Clovis Fire personnel contained the fire to a single area within the restaurant.

5 units and 16 personnel, including resources from PG&E, Fresno County Health Department and the Clovis Police Department responded to the incident.  Preliminary estimates place damages at $80,000 including contents.  No injuries were sustained by occupants or firefighters as a result of the blaze.  The cause of the fire is undetermined and being investigated by the Clovis Fire Department Investigations Team.

Business owners are reminded to check their fire protection systems with licensed personnel per manufacturers/installers recommendations to ensure optimal working conditions in the event of a fire.