Statement From The Bartow Fire Department:
Bartow Fire Deputy Chief Byron Moore
At approximately 0615 this morning a 911 call was initiated from an employee at Sonny’s BBQ, located at 595 Broadway Ave N. The employee reported a fire showing through the roof at this location. BFD units responded and observed flames showing from the roof area of the structure.
An initial interior attack was conducted until conditions worsened causing an evacuation of all personnel. The roof structure at this time was heavily involved with fire with imminent roof collapse observed. A defensive fire attack was ordered at this time. The structure sustained heavy damage from fire , smoke and water therefore was condemned as a total loss. Interviews were conducted with the employee working at the time and the State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted their investigation.
The employee working at the time, started their day around 0500 by starting the cooking equipment and smoker as usual. Fire origin area was confirmed to be most probable in the exhaust duct area of the smoker which is located within the attic space. A total of 33 fire personnel from 3 departments were on scene.
Bartow Fire Response: 2 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck , 1 battalion Lieutenant and 3 Chiefs. 23 personnel total from BFD
Polk County Fire Rescue mutual aide response: 2 Engines, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Medical/Rescue unit. Total PCFR personnel 7
Winter Haven Fire Department: 1 Tower truck with 3 personnel
Additional responses with thanks to: Florida State Fire Marshal, Bartow PD, Bartow Elec., Bartow Water, Bartow Public Works, Bartow Building Official, Bartow Code enforcement, Bartow Parks and rec., Gas utilities, and others.
Event times
0617 Dispatched
0618 Responded
0619 BFD on scene
1418 All units completed
SOURCE: BARTOW FIRE DEPARTMENT
