February 26, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Smoke Causes Scare/Evacuation at Holidome

A smoking elevator motor caused some tense moments last night for guests and management at the Holiday Inn-Holidome, 5555 Financial Plaza. Security for the complex first noticed smoke on the second floor of the main building at 8:11 p.m. and called 911. Occupants on the second floor were evacuated to the lobby of the motel by motel staff prior to the fire department’s arrival.

When fire crews arrived on the scene, they zeroed in on an empty elevator that had stopped working between floors. Once they were able to access the elevator compartment, firefighters determined the source of the smoke was an electric motor for the elevator that had burned out.

Fire officials brought in large gas exhaust fans to remove the smoke from the floor. No injuries were reported and residence were able to return to their rooms following the smokes eradication.

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