Practice News Story: Fire #2

Early yesterday afternoon a restaurant was badly damaged from a burning fire that got out of control causing a family to be rescued out of a window from their burning apartment building.

Deputy Fire Chief Greg Chamberlain stated that around 2 p.m. a fire broke out at Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant on Washington and 21st in Ogden. Pedro Sanchez the manager had been in the kitchen cooking when a grease fire broke out in flames. Sanchez tried stopping the flames by using a fire extinguisher causing minor burns to his hands, but it wasn’t ending the extreme blaze.

Michael Freeman, who ate at Pedro’s frequently, was the only customer at the restaurant when the fire started. He said he heard Pedro screaming and saw an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the kitchen. He then immediately ran out of the restaurant and called 911.

After Sanchez and Freeman were both safe outside they suddenly realized the two apartments that lie above the restaurant were beginning to catch on fire. In one of the two apartments lived Pedro’s brother Miguel Sanchez and his two daughters ages two and four. Pedro recognized his family needed assistance getting out of the burning apartment so he quickly helped them escape through a window.

The two little girls were taken to the hospital for smoke restoration. Luckily there were no fatalities only minor injuries.

Unfortunately the fire did cause damage to the three story building, especially the restaurant. However, Rachel Calhoun owner for the past ten years did have insurance on the building so it should be up and running over a period of time. Sanchez looks forward to returning to his restaurant. “I really love having a restaurant,” he said, “It’s my life. We’ll come back.”