Practice News Story 2: Fire

It may be a while before fans of Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant get a chance to enjoy the stores patented tacos. The restaurant, located on 21st and Washington in Ogden, went up in flames yesterday afternoon, the result of an uncontrollable kitchen grease fire. The 3-story building, built in the 1950’s, also housed a pair of apartment units. The whole building was destroyed, but no one was seriously injured in the process.

Pedro Sanchez, owner of the restaurant, explained that he was in the back cooking when the flames lept from the stove and began to spread throughout the edifice. According to Pedro, the fire was, “too big”, and his attempts to put it out with a fire extinguisher were spent in vain. “I needed to help, but couldn’t, ” said Pedro. “It (was) the scariest thing I’ve ever really been a part of.” He and the one customer in the store at the time escaped from the restaurant with minor burns. Above, in the apartments, were Pedro’s brother Miguel, and his two daughters, Mercedes and Maria del Mar. As the smoke filled the apartments, Miguel grabbed his two children and left the building. All three suffered smoke inhalation and have been taken to neighboring hospitals for treatment.

Firefighters arrived on the scene within the hour. Although the whole building was destroyed, no neighboring buildings were affected. At least 4 firefighters penetrated the building to aid in silencing the blaze. Building owner Rachel Calhoun, who was obviously disappointed by the loss, acknowledged that at least there were no major injuries. “When it comes right down to it, that’s what’s important.” Deputy Fire Chief Greg Chamberlain concurred. “I’m just glad we got everybody out… that’s how we like to do it.”