The investigation revealed the fire burned inside of the restaurant for over an hour prior to any notification to the local fire departments.
Cause Determined in the Fire at Bob Evans laid on toaster
Easton, Talbot County (July 7, 2016) – An extensive investigation by a team of investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has lead to a determination in the cause of the fire at Bob Evans in Easton. The fire originated in the kitchen area of the structure due to a malfunction within a toaster. It was typical practice to leave the toaster plugged in and on after business hours. The investigation revealed the fire burned inside of the restaurant for over an hour prior to any notification to the local fire departments.
The two-alarm fire at 8957 Ocean Gateway in Easton occurred in the early morning hours of May 14, 2016, causing a $3.5 million loss.
The investigation revealed the fire burned inside of the restaurant for over an hour prior to any notification to the local fire departments.
Report from Easton VFD
On Saturday, May 14, 2016, at 0139hrs, Talbot Center alerted the Easton Volunteers (Station 60), Cordova (Station 50), St. Michaels (Station 40) and TCDES Paramedic 96 and EMS 2 for Box 6-6, Commercial Building Fire at Bob Evans, 8957 Ocean Gateway, Easton. Paramedic 96 arrived on location, reporting smoke showing, with Chief 60 (606 – 3rd Lt M. Ziegler) arriving a minute later. Chief 60 established Bob Evans command, advising heavy smoke and fire through the roof. Easton Engines 68, 63, 64 and Tower 61 along Cordova Engine 52 and St Michaels Chief 40, Engine 49 and Truck 40 were on the scene or in route when command called for a 2nd Alarm at 0150. Easton Assistant Chief J. Harrison (602) took operations as Easton engine crews attempted to make an interior attack until it was determined the HVAC units on the roof were in starting to sag. Command called for Evac Tones removing all interior personnel and went to defensive operations.
The 2nd alarm brought Mutual Aid from Queen Anne Hillsboro (Station 80), Trappe (Station 30), Oxford (Station 20), Cambridge (Dorchester Station 1), Preston (Caroline Station 200). Elevated master streams were established on all sides of the building requiring Ocean Gateway (US RT 50) to be shut down in both directions as Cambridge Tower 1 set up on the Westbound lanes and LDH was laid across the Eastbound lanes in order to establish water at the closest hydrant. Command requested Canteen 4 (Ridgely Caroline 400) for refreshments and rehab as well as an additional Rescue. Canteen 4 and Rescue 300 (Denton) responded to the scene.
At the height of operations, 5 elevated master streams and 2 ground based 2-1/2” Blitz Fire lines were used to knock down the fire. Command placed the situation under control at 0405hrs, holding all units for knockdown and overhaul. The Maryland State Fire Marshall responded began the investigation and continued to work with the assistance of ATF after Chief 60 cleared the scene at 1044hrs. The building was declared a total loss with damage estimated at $3.5 million. The incident remains under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office.
Responding Equipment: Easton – Chief 60, Engine 68, Engine 63, Engine 64, Tower 61, Rescue61, Utility 61, Utility 62. Cordova: Engine 52. St Michael’s: Chief 40, Engine 49, Truck 40. Queen Anne Hillsboro: Chief 80, Engine 85. Oxford: Truck 23, Engine 25. Trappe: Rescue 32, Engine 39. Cambridge: Chief 1-2, Tower 1-1. Preston: Engine 204. Denton: Rescue 300. Ridgely: Chief 4, Canteen 4. Talbot DES EMS 2, PM 96, PM90. Easton Police Department, Easton Utilities, Jess Jr & Sons, Talbot County Sheriff Department, Maryland State Fire Marshall, and ATF.
Equipment Stand By at Station 60: Engine 304 (Denton), Tanker 44 (St Michaels), Tanker 53 (Cordova)
Photo by Rescue Fire Company (Cambridge Tower 1-1)