On July 18, 2005, at 6:51 am, the Clinton Township Department of Fire-Rescue-EMS (84 person career department, 5 stations) received a call for a kitchen fire at The Fire House Lounge, a local landmark for several decades.
The business was known for its ties with the Detroit Fire Department and contained much memorabilia from that organization.
First due units (3 engines, 1 trucks, 1 rescue, 1 Bat Chief), staffed with 17 firefighters, arrived to find black smoke and flame just breaching the roof in the rear of the building.
Forcible entry through steel doors was accomplished and an interior attack was intiated, however, the fire had spread between the voids between up to three drop ceilings/consealed spaces.
Crews were pulled out and an aerial (defensive) attack quickly knocked the fire down. Crews immediately re-entered and began mopping up. Unfortuantely, fire had spread horizontally and fall-down and a partial roof collapse made it very difficult to reach the involved areas.
An additional aerial, engine and two Chief Officer also responded.
Personnel from the off-going shift were held and manpower peaked at 30 firefighters.
No injuries were reported and the fire loss was placed at about $700,000. At this time, the fire has been ruled electrical in nature.
Incidentally, several of Bill Eisner's work, one of your frequent contributors, was lost in the fire.
