Besides extinguishing the already raging inferno, the challenge was to prevent the flames from spreading to other downtown buildings. Also essential was reaching gas tanks in back of the restaurant and shutting off their valves before they ignited and exploded. After a vigorous battle, firefighters reached the tanks, closed the valves and moved them to a safe location. The members of the different fire departments worked strategically as one unit until about nine a.m. when it was determined that the fire was out. Although exhausted, fire department members carefully put fire-fighting equipment back in place for their next inevitable use.
Fire fighters describe the incredible amount of energy it takes to fight fire.
When it is over, the body sometimes collapses and takes days to recuperate. Although inspection of the premises has begun, no deductions have been made regarding the cause of the fire. As yet, there is no official opinion as to where the fire started. However the main dining room area was most seriously damaged, while refrigeration units near the kitchen remained intact. Although it was earlier reported that the fire had to be extremely hot to burn through the flooring, those to whom I spoke did not deem it significant.