June 27, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Tinseltown Theater Fire Forces Evacuation Sends One to Hospital

Shreveport’s Tinsletown Theater, 8400 Millicent Way, was forced to evacuate more than 400 moviegoers this afternoon after a fire in a popcorn machine poured heavy smoke . . .

throughout the sprawling structure. Shreveport firefighters were dispatched to the theater just after 1:30 p.m. and after arriving found smoke coming from the front doors of the building and some patrons and employees gasping for air.

Employees Amanda Baker, 19 and LaTasha Alfred, 23 first noticed the smoke behind the concession stand and quickly retrieved a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Although the fire was extinguished, the machine continued to produce heavy amounts of smoke than poured into the lobby of the building where an estimated 50 people were waiting in line.

Tinseltown management and their employees did an extraordinary job in getting their customers out safely and working with fire department officials during the incident. Their system worked ideally, in that when the fire alarm was sounded all of their movie projectors stopped, the house lights went up and employees stood at the ready to instruct patrons to exit the building. "The situation certainly could have been more unfavorable, had it not been for the quick and professional actions of the Tinseltown staff," said Incident Commander, District Chief Jack Allen.

Fire Department paramedics treated four patients with complaints of smoke inhalation, throat irritation, and dizziness. One employee was transported to Willis Knighton Medical Center-Pierremont for aggravation of a pre-existing asthma condition triggered by the smoke. Paramedics listed her condition as good. ###