|
|
Photo by Charles Froelich
|
Boaters and residents were able to get a close view of the blaze at Johnny's on the Lake Saturday as area fire departments attempted to extinguish the flames that could be seen from accorss the lake. Approximately 20-25 percent of the interior was destoyed.
Purchase a copy of this photo
|
|
Smoke billowing from a fire at a popular Belleville restaurant could be seen miles away across Belleville Lake to Hannan Road in Romulus.
At approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday a fire ignited at Johnny's on the Lake on High Street in downtown Belleville.
The Belleville Fire Dept. was dispatched by the Van Buren Township emergency dispatch to the eatery at 146 High St. Upon arrival fire was showing from the roof on the lakeside of the building. The Van Buren Police Department Marine Division unit was attacking the fire from the lake and firefighters gained entrance through a side door and proceeded to fight the fire.
A crew was also sent to the roof to help locate the fire. The fire was in a parapet wall and was not accessible from the interior or roof with out aggressive venting procedures.
Several crews worked in the interior, exterior and roof to contain the fire and it was under control at 6:39 p.m.
"We believe it started up near the rooftop with the air conditioning," Belleville Fire Chief Darwin Loyer said.
However, A final determination has not been made.
The smoke at the lakeside attracted dozens of boaters who were taking advantage of the sunny Fourth of July holiday weekend weather.
"We were out with our new boat and brought some friends from Westland to the lake," Kenny Grant said.
"We saw people running out of the restaurant and saw the smoke."
There was a slight problem due to the water lines.
"The mains are small. We're trying to get new ones installed," the fire chief said.
"The pressure was there but the volume was not."
Approximately 20- 25 percent of the interior of the dining establishment is believed to be destroyed.
The City of Belleville Fire Department had been dispatched to a medical scene at 4:57 p.m. and was enroute with Rescue 453 when the structure fire occurred.
Van Buren Township Fire Department's Engine 1 responded with four personnel and was on scene within 3 minutes.
Rescue Unit 453 made the medical scene and was cleared by Huron Valley Ambulance immediately.
Loyer said his crew was on a medical call, answering a pregnancy run at Belle Villa.
"The Van Buren fire department responded first," he said. "Huron Valley Ambulance was on scene so we diverted our run to Johnny's"
Rescue 453 responded to 146 High and was on scene within 6 minutes of the original dispatch time.
Deejay Doug Laird lost equipment in the fire, where he had stored it for a performance.
Huron Valley Ambulance was also called to the scene to provide medical services and rehabilitation assessments.
The City of Belleville Fire Auxiliary, Van Buren Township Fire Auxiliary provided food and water. The Grace Baptist Church assisted with the food and water.
The City of Belleville responded with Engine 461, Rescue 453, Utility 456 and 457 with a total of 12 personnel at the scene.
The Van Buren Township Fire Department responded with Engine 1, Engine 3, Ladder 2, Tac 1, Tac 2, Utility 1, 2 and the Marine Unit with a total of 16 personnel at the scene.
Loyer said no patrons, staff or firefighters were hurt in the blaze.
As of press time there was no official date given for reopening.
TOP JOBS
