[Press Release] : Late afternoon fire contained by automatic fire extinguishing system

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer -
(573) 499-7035

Late afternoon fire contained by automatic fire extinguishing system

COLUMBIA, MO (March 13, 2008) - Columbia firefighters were called just
before 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, to the China Star Restaurant at
3100 Broadway Business Park Drive, near the intersection of Stadium and
Fairview, for a report of a commercial structure fire. 

When firefighters arrived they found the fire, which originated in a
commercial wok, had been extinguished when a required automatic fire
extinguishing system in the exhaust hood activated. 

Known as “Fixed Extinguishing Systems”, these code required systems
generally activate automatically when enough heat is generated to melt a
“fusible link” and activate the system. Newer systems, such as the
one at the China Star, use a “wet chemical” extinguishing agent
which is superior to the older dry chemical extinguishing systems. 

No one was injured during the fire and other than some minor damage to
the wok, there was no smoke or fire damage to other portions of the
restaurant or building. 

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department was called, as the fire
occurred in a restaurant, and responded. Fire investigators determined
that oil in the wok caught fire and activated the fire suppression
system. 

The restaurant will be closed for an undetermined period of time while
the hood suppression system is recharged and the hood and exhaust system
is cleaned. The owners/managers were hopeful that they would reopen late
Friday, but the restaurant will have to pass health and fire inspections
prior to reopening. 

- 30 -
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