HILARY HOSIA
Authorities were able to halt the spread of the fire at Special Restaurant in Batkan last week Friday to avert what could have been an even more serious fire disaster.
The police and fire department scrambled to prevent the fire from spreading to the gas station attached to the restaurant while a bulldozer mobilized to the scene.
By the time the bulldozer was on site, the restaurant was already engulfed in flames. The bulldozer successfully broke through the side of the building to prevent the fire from reaching the gas station.
While Majuro Atoll Local Government officials were first on scene, Marshall Islands Police Department’s fire department, Majuro Water and Sewer Company and Airport Fire Rescue were able to douse the fire to thwart its further spread.
But the fire completely destroyed the popular restaurant that was patronized by many local residents, including groups and parties.
The fire resulted in a traffic tie-up spanning from downtown to the airport area. Power was also shut off from the power plant to Laura while the fire was in progress.