Second Alarm Commercial Building Fire

Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 1:12 p.m.

On December 21, 2017 the SFD responded to a report of smoke emanating from the roof of Fantastic Sam’s (6230 N Division) by a drive-by caller. The first fire company arrived within four minutes and reported heavy smoke from the roofline and visible through the windows of the building. Due to the fire being in a large commercial building, a second alarm was requested resulting in a total of twelve fire companies from both the SFD and Fire District 9. Fortunately, the building’s fire protection (sprinkler system) immediately activated before the fire was discovered and kept it contained to primarily the area of origin. Fire damage was limited mainly to the roof above the Fantastic Sam’s business.

The nature of the fire was accidental and caused by a faulty neon light transformer. Damage estimates are still being determined, however the entire structure was saved and loss was limited to mainly the Fantastic Sam’s and two adjacent tenants.