Cause of Lexington fire determined
Liz Johnson, Daily News Staff
11-09-2009
The cause of Thursday’s fire that destroyed the Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant, housed in the old Lexington Brewery building, has been determined.
Lexington Fire Chief Kirk Smith told The Daily News the damage was caused by a fire in the hood over the stove in the kitchen. A system check had been performed every six months on the equipment and the fire had shut off in the burners below the hood, but the hood remained burning for hours.
The fire eventually reached the attic of the building, traveling to the roof, escalating until it came down into the dining area of the restaurant.
“It was a really hot fire,” said Chief Smith. “With the age of the building and the wood frame structure inside, it was really hot.”
The historic building is owned by Lexington attorney Bob Langdon, who plans to demolish the building due to the structural damage.
Currently, 11th Street is closed because the west wall of the building is crumbling.
Chief Smith said the Cannonball Six Theater, which is just a few feet from the burned building had no damage from the fire. He said the fire crews did an excellent job in preventing damage to the theater and to Pat’s Boats across 11th Street from Las Carretas. The Odessa Fire Department, using their new ladder truck were commended by Smith for their skill in keeping smoke, water and fire from reaching Pat’s Boats. No one was injured in the fire.
When asked about alleged explosions residents heard during the fire and throughout the day, Smith said “No explosives were found – just CO2 tanks from the restaurant’s supplies.
“The basement of the building was completely intact, with approximately three feet of standing water.”
Smith also said the manager of Las Carretas stated the restaurant will reopen in four-to-five weeks in another Lexington location. He said the manager told him the community had been good to him and his fellow employees, and they intended to remain in Lexington.
Liz Johnson, Daily News Staff
11-09-2009
The cause of Thursday’s fire that destroyed the Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant, housed in the old Lexington Brewery building, has been determined.
Lexington Fire Chief Kirk Smith told The Daily News the damage was caused by a fire in the hood over the stove in the kitchen. A system check had been performed every six months on the equipment and the fire had shut off in the burners below the hood, but the hood remained burning for hours.
The fire eventually reached the attic of the building, traveling to the roof, escalating until it came down into the dining area of the restaurant.
“It was a really hot fire,” said Chief Smith. “With the age of the building and the wood frame structure inside, it was really hot.”
The historic building is owned by Lexington attorney Bob Langdon, who plans to demolish the building due to the structural damage.
Currently, 11th Street is closed because the west wall of the building is crumbling.
Chief Smith said the Cannonball Six Theater, which is just a few feet from the burned building had no damage from the fire. He said the fire crews did an excellent job in preventing damage to the theater and to Pat’s Boats across 11th Street from Las Carretas. The Odessa Fire Department, using their new ladder truck were commended by Smith for their skill in keeping smoke, water and fire from reaching Pat’s Boats. No one was injured in the fire.
When asked about alleged explosions residents heard during the fire and throughout the day, Smith said “No explosives were found – just CO2 tanks from the restaurant’s supplies.
“The basement of the building was completely intact, with approximately three feet of standing water.”
Smith also said the manager of Las Carretas stated the restaurant will reopen in four-to-five weeks in another Lexington location. He said the manager told him the community had been good to him and his fellow employees, and they intended to remain in Lexington.
