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HFR responds to commercial kitchen fire, minimizing damage
Hastings Fire-Rescue responded promptly to a commercial kitchen fire incident on Dec. 9, 2023, effectively containing the blaze and minimizing damage.
Incident Details:
Hastings Fire-Rescue units were dispatched to a reported commercial kitchen fire at approximately 1:26 pm on Dec. 9, 2023. The incident occurred at 914 North Elm, involving a commercial kitchen at Hastings College. The fire was confined to the commercial grill area. Employees promptly activated nearby manual alarm pull stations, notifying all occupants of the emergency. No injuries were reported, and the safety of the community remained a top priority throughout the incident.
Hastings Fire-Rescue arrived on scene within less than 6 minutes of receiving the emergency call, highlighting the efficiency of our emergency response procedures. However, Hastings Fire-Rescue cannot protect the community without the proactive involvement of residents and business owners. Community Risk Reduction Officer Anthony Murphy states, “This is the fifth cooking equipment fire in Hastings this year. In light of this, Hastings Fire-Rescue urges businesses to ensure regular cleaning of hoods and grills, proper maintenance of extinguishing systems, and keeping all staff trained in fire response.” Hastings Fire-Rescue is a resource all businesses can reach out to for more information.
Brad Starling, Fire Chief of Hastings Fire-Rescue, stated:
"We are proud of the cool, calm response of the employees, and the quick response of our emergency units. This incident underlines the importance of the cooperation between the fire department and commercial property owners to ensure all fire protection systems are up to code and staff are properly trained in emergency procedures."
The cause of the fire was a cooking grease fire and resulted in only minimal property losses with no damage to the structure.
Published Date: 12/10/2023