STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 8, 2019-Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) was dispatched to 912 Lincoln Avenue for report of smoke around 7:15am. The first responding crews on scene confirmed an active structure fire with visible smoke coming from the roof of the Smokehouse Restaurant.
Firefighter Paramedic Shively found an active fire burning in the building. Captain Arce made an immediate decision to attack the fire and protect the adjacent buildings. Tower 6-1 took up position on Lincoln Avenue to provide aerial coverage and access to the top of the building. Engine 6-2 established presence at the rear of the building in the alley where heavy smoke could be seen but no visible flames.
Agencies closed off the block between 9th and 10th Streets including Lincoln Avenue, which was limited to one west bound lane. Eastbound traffic was diverted to Yampa Street. Interim Fire Chief Cerasoli made an immediate request for mutual aid assistance and crews from North Routt Fire Protection District, Oak Creek Fire Protection District and West Routt Fire responded to the scene and actively fought the fire with SSFR.
Firefighters made entry to the building and encountered significant smoke down to the floor. Thermal imaging devices were used to locate the source of the fire, which showed heavy flames in the office of the restaurant. Once the location of the fire was determined, firefighters focused efforts on extinguishing the fire as it moved to the ceiling area of the primary building. As crews opened the ceiling area, additional hot spots flamed up continuing to move toward the front of the building.
“This building has seen extensive remodels, so we encounter layer upon layer in the ceiling which complicated our efforts,” said Interim Chief Cerasoli. “Once we opened an area, the fire would reignite and continued to hop toward the front of the building before we were able to put enough water on it.”
By 1:02pm, the fire was officially considered extinguished and mop up efforts began. Crews will be on site for the remainder of the afternoon. One firefighter was taken from the scene to Yampa Valley Medical Center as a precaution for a non-life-threatening injury. The incident saw one tower truck, four engines, three ambulances, a staff truck with air trailer and two command vehicles on scene as well as Steamboat Springs Police Dept. and Routt County Sheriff’s Office personnel.
The structure sustained significant damage and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Neighboring buildings experienced limited smoke damage but should be able to reopen. The Fire Marshall and Steamboat Springs Police Dept are investigating the cause of the fire and the investigation will be ongoing.
SSFR would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance, Routt County Communication Center, Routt County Sheriff Office, Steamboat Springs Police Department including Community Service and Animal Control Officers, West Routt Fire Protection District, Oak Creek Fire Protection District, and North Routt Fire Protection District.
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Contact
Chuck Cerasoli, Interim Fire Chief, 970.879.7170, or email
Christian Keller, PIO/FF/Paramedic, 970.879.7170 or email