Basic Newswriting & Reporting

Journalism 30

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Two-alarm fire sample story

An electrical short apparently started a two-alarm fire that caused $1.2 million in damage to an electronics firm Wednesday night.

Fire Lt. Stephen Gorman said the fire at T&L Electronics Co., located on U.S. 90, was reported at 9:23 p.m. by the company's night watchman. The watchman, Fernando Lopez, said he was making his rounds when he noticed the rear of the building was unusually hot.

Lopez said when he turned the corner, he saw flames leaping out of the room that contains the electrical circuit breakers, water heaters and other electrical equipment.

"By the time I got to the phone, the whole back part of the building was on fire," he said.

Lopez said the fire spread rapidly.

The first fire units arrived only four minutes after the fire was reported, Gorman said, and a second alarm was issued at 9:42 p.m. Eight fire vehicles and 45 men fought the blaze, which was reported under control at 10:56 p.m.

Capt. Anne Gonzalez, city fire marshal, said early indications are that an electrical short caused the fire. An investigation is underway.

Gorman said low water pressure in the area hampered firefighters. New water mains are to be installed in the area next year.

The business,vowned by George Popandreau said the building and contents are fully insured. He said he will return tomorrow from his vacation to begin moving the business to a new location.