Understanding the Cause of the Fire
On Thursday, Captain James Pearce, Chief Fire Investigator for the city, shared with ABC11 that the fire is believed to have been caused by an unspecified mechanical malfunction in the area of HVAC equipment on the roof. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials are working to determine the full extent of the incident.
Recent Safety Inspection Findings
The ABC11 I-Team has been investigating the fire safety systems at the Raleigh Convention Center. They obtained recent city fire marshal safety inspection records for this year, which revealed nine failures during a building fire code inspection in May of this year. The reports from the fire marshal’s office highlight multiple fire code violations, including:
- Failures of the fire alarm system
- Maintenance of the sprinkler system
- Ensuring that sprinklers were free of obstruction
These findings have raised concerns about the overall safety of the facility.
Response and Containment Efforts
Raleigh’s fire chief stated that the first calls came in around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, and firefighters had the flames under control about 25 minutes after arriving. The quick response time prevented a major catastrophe. Herbert Griffin, with the Raleigh Fire Department, explained the challenges faced during the operation:
“The response times reduce risk and to be on a location within two minutes. The actual standard is four minutes and 50 plus seconds. They got there within 2 minutes. So that’s exceptional.”
Griffin also mentioned the difficulty of accessing water sources on the ground, which required firefighters to connect to the actual fire department connection at the Raleigh Convention Center. They then used hose equipment to reach the rooftop and fight the fire from an operational standpoint from the top of the roof.
Addressing Previous Violations
Raleigh Convention Center Executive Director Kerry Painter confirmed that the fire safety inspection failures have since been addressed. She explained that the vendor did not upload the reports after the inspection. However, she emphasized that the annual inspection was conducted properly, and all necessary corrections were made and submitted. The center is currently working to get the paperwork uploaded.
Damage and Impact
The ABC11 I-Team is also learning more about what inspectors believe started the fire and the extent of the damage. Public records indicate that investigators believe the fire started in an HVAC unit on the roof. The fire began above the kitchen, causing water damage to several areas in the kitchen. Additionally, steel structural members were exposed to fire and high heat.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell provided an update during the council meeting on Tuesday afternoon. She mentioned that the sprinklers were activated in the building, resulting in some damage to the kitchen and perishable goods. Despite the damage, no injuries were reported.
Quick Actions of Emergency Responders
ABC11 is also highlighting the quick actions of the brave men and women who responded to the fire. Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin noted that at least 61 personnel from 20 different fire stations responded swiftly. The fast response helped prevent a greater catastrophe. Griffin emphasized that the fire was strictly rooftop damage, with no interior damage whatsoever. He praised the efforts of the fire department, Raleigh Police Department, and Wake County EMS for containing the fire effectively.
Mayor Cowell also commended the quick actions of the firefighters, acknowledging their critical role in managing the situation.
Impact on Nearby Businesses
As flames burst out of the Raleigh Convention Center, nearby businesses felt the impact. At Whiskey Kitchen, workers could see the fire from their staff holiday party. Chris Brennan of Whiskey Kitchen described the scene:
“And so, we all kind of rushed outside, and we’re right down the street from it. And so we are all kind of watching it unfold, following the live news that was coming out on it.”
While the workers were relieved that no one was hurt, they expressed concerns about business during the holidays. Being walking distance from the convention center, Whiskey Kitchen is a prime spot for people to stop in. The workers mentioned that several conventions are scheduled for the upcoming weeks, and being close to the convention center means they rely heavily on foot traffic.
Relocating Events
The convention center is working to relocate several of the scheduled events planned for the upcoming weeks. This effort aims to minimize disruption and ensure that attendees can still enjoy the events without complications.
Conclusion
The incident at the Raleigh Convention Center highlights the importance of regular safety inspections and the critical role of emergency responders in preventing potential disasters. While the fire caused significant damage, the swift actions of the firefighters and other emergency services helped contain the situation effectively. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of the facility and its surrounding community.
