Shortly before 2p.m. on Sunday, Jan 25, 2004 Golden Valley, Minnesota Fire stations 2 and 1, were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from a building. The temp was 16f degrees, with a 15 mph wind out of the east, dropping the wind chill to 8 degrees. The source appeared to be a center unit, in a small strip center, located in the south-eastern corner of the city. The involved occupancy was the August Moon, an upscale Asian restaurant. The building was not open at the time of the fire, however it had been discovered by the owner, who was present.
Heavy smoke was issuing from the rear of the building, as station 2 units arrived. Chief 2 assuming command, immediately asked for a general alarm, summoning all 50 paid-call firefighters who cover the city of 20,000 from 3 fire stations.
A quick search of adjoining occupancies was made, finding them vacant. An attack team entered the building reporting heavy smoke conditions. Followed by a back-up team, crews encountered heavy fire conditions in the rear of the kitchen, cooler and dry goods storage areas.
Aerial-11 was positioned at the rear north-east corner to observe roof conditions, and set-up for an aerial attack. Conditions deteriorated in the rear, as heavy fire began to come through the roof.
A second alarm was requested approximately 20 minutes into the event. Crews responded from St. Louis Park staffing E-2, Ut-1, Ut-2 and Ch-1. Plymouth Tower-11, E-11 and Ch-2 and West-metro with E-21 responded to the scene. Robbinsdale Volunteer Fire Department covered the headquarters station.
Crews were removed from the interior so the aerial (GV A-11) could knock down the heavy fire coming through the roof in the rear.
After the bulk of the visible fire was suppressed, interior operations resumed.
West-Metro fire investigator assisted the Golden Valley Fire Marshal on the investigation.
The last unit cleared the scene at 2028 hours.
No injuries were reported. A cause is under investigation.
