BESSEMER, MI - Monday, February 11, 2008 - Little remains after fire swept through the Booby Hatch Bar at 217 East Sellar Street, Sunday. A fire call was made to the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department shortly after 11:00 AM. The fire started in the basement of the structure, according to reports, and it is believed that a salamander heater, being used to thaw frozen water pipes, may have been the cause. The official cause of the fire, however, will not be known until after a proper fire inspection has taken place.

People in the bar and the upstairs living quarters were immediately evacuated as soon as the fire was discovered, and before emergency personnel arrived on the scene. No one was injured as a result of the fire.

The Bessemer City Fire Department was the first to respond to the call, and the Bessemer Township Fire Department immediately assisted. According to the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department, the Red Cross and the Gogebic County Victims' Services were also dispatched to the scene.

A family in the house adjacent to the tavern was evacuated from their home as a precautionary measure.

Xcel Energy was summoned to the scene of the blaze to safeguard nearby electrical and gas lines. The fire damaged a nearby electrical transformer, knocking out electricity to over 250 Bessemer households for almost two hours in the subzero weather.

What is left of the structure continued to smolder this morning. Heavy smoke resulting from the fire, forced Bessemer Schools to close today.

Both fire departments worked throughout the night containing and controlling the fire. No firefighters were hurt in the incident, and there were no reports of frostbite or any other injuries as a result of the cold.

Local residents and volunteers aided emergency personnel with hot beverages and with shelter to help warm them and protect them from the unbearable wind chills.

Also at the scene, offering assistance, were: the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department, Greg's Towing, Charter Communications, and the City of Bessemer Public Works Department.

The Booby Hatch was owned and operated by Ms. Cheryl Sowles. As a result of the fire, the building and its contents are, no doubt, a total loss. The firefighters, however, should be commended for doing such an outstanding job saving surrounding buildings in this very congested neighborhood, and with such adverse conditions.

Jim Albert