Elizabethton Firefighters Tackle Smoke Scare at Local McDonald’s
On a typical Thursday morning in Elizabethton, residents were buzzing about their routines, completely unaware of the slight commotion that was about to unfold at the local McDonald’s. Just before lunchtime, the Elizabethton Fire Department’s Battalion 3 received a call that sent them dashing to the scene – a possible structure fire at the playground area of the popular fast-food restaurant.
Quick Response Ensures Safety
When firefighters rolled up to the Broad Street McDonald’s, they quickly noticed that patrons and employees had already evacuated the restaurant without any panic. Talk about a smooth operation! The first responders wasted no time in assessing the situation while making sure everyone was safely outside. As they stepped inside, a peculiar smell of smoke hung in the air, nudging them to investigate further.
Source of Smoke Discovered
Through their diligent search, the firefighters pinpointed that the smoke was sneaking into the building from an outside source. With some quick digging and determination, they discovered that smoldering mulch was the culprits. The assistant fire chief, Andy Hardin, explained that “someone had thrown a lit cigarette from a car window which had ignited mulch near the building.” How easily something like that can occur!
The situation was exacerbated as the fire from the mulch had started to heat up some OSB board just beneath a stone area outside the playroom. It was a bit of a relief to find that it was not a major incident but rather a small lapse in safety that could have caused a bigger problem. Firefighters immediately sprang into action to prevent any potential flare-up.
Taking Action to Prevent Reignition
Armed with hoses and tools to break through the stone exterior, the team worked methodically to ensure that the situation was under control. Water was sprayed liberally over the area, extinguishing any remaining embers and ensuring that nobody had to worry about a sudden reignition. As the smoke began to clear, it was a testament to the swift actions of the firefighting crew.
A Reminder for All
This incident served as a friendly reminder for everyone: *please* ensure that cigarette butts and any other flammable materials are disposed of properly. The simple act of tossing a lit cigarette out of a car window can lead to unexpected consequences, as seen here. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during this scare, and both the Elizabethton Police Department and the Carter County Rescue Squad were nearby, ready to assist if needed — but thankfully, they didn’t have to step in!
All Clear and Back to Business
Once the area was declared safe, Battalion Chief Taz Erwin gave the all-clear signal, allowing employees to return to their lunchtime routines. As the McDonald’s resumed its usual hustle and bustle, you could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from everyone involved. A close call, but completely managed thanks to the prompt response of our local fire department!
As the day progressed and people continued to enjoy their meals and chat over their favorite McDonald’s treats, they couldn’t help but take a moment to appreciate the importance of fire safety in our everyday lives. Here’s to hoping that everyone takes this little mishap to heart, ensuring that our community remains safe and sound for all!
