Smoky Conditions Force Evacuation of Union Station|ABC 7 News

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Smoky Conditions Force Evacuation of Union Station

posted 12:03 am Wed January 02, 2008 - Washington

tags: fire • smoke • union station

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ABC 7 News - Smoky Conditions Force Evacuation of Union Station

Authorities evacuated Union Station for about an hour because of a small fire in the basement food court, delaying the departure of several trains. D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter says a fryer used to prepare french fries caught fire about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, filling the area with smoke. The station's concourse reopened to passengers about an hour later, after the smoke dissipated. The food court remains closed until health inspectors clear the area to reopen.

Etter says the fire caused little damage and no one was injured. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Amtrak spokeswoman Karina Romero says four trains were delayed leaving Union Station because of the evacuation. Another train was held north of the station until it reopened.

Metro temporarily closed the Massachusetts Avenue entrance at their Union Station stop. Customers can still utilize the First Street entrance.

Smoky Conditions Force Evacuation of Union Station

D.C. firefighters clear the smoke out of the Union Station food court. Image courtesy Vito Maggiolo, D.C. Fire EMS.

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