TGI Fridays Smoke Investigation

Just before 7 p.m. Sunday evening, March 4, 2007 the Anchorage Fire Department Communications Center received a 911 call reporting the smell of smoke inside the TGI Fridays restaurant located at 190 W. Tudor Road.  Another 911 caller said there was smoke inside the restaurant.  Eleven units were dispatched and the first arriving engine company from the Tudor and MacInnes station reported no smoke or fire visible.  As additional apparatus arrived crews began searching for smoke source.  During their investigation it was found where a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit may have malfunctioned and filled an air duct with smoke.  Also, it was discovered where an improperly disposed cigarette on the exterior of the restaurant into a peat filled planter had smoldered and began to burn the exterior siding.  Maintenance person arrived to assist the fire department in shutting down the HVAC equipment and the planter box problem was quickly mitigated.  All persons in the restaurant at the time of the alarm safely evacuated and there were no injuries reported to either civilians or fire crews during the incident.  No actual damage estimates were available, although believed to be minimal and likely under $5,000.00 (this estimate does not reflect potential HVAC repairs – if necessary).  Restaurant management will determine if any operating closures will be necessary as a result from this incident.