Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A local bank had to be evacuated May 13 when a sensor detected smoke in the building.
“An alarm was activated at the KeyBank building on Main St. when a belt started to slip on a compressor system that keeps an air charge in the sprinkler system began slipping and caused the rubber to begin smoking,” said Darrell White, chief of the Presque Isle Fire Department.
Emergency personnel from the PIFD, Presque Isle Police Department and Crown Ambulance responded to the scene shortly before noon. Occupants of the building were evacuated to a nearby parking lot.
White said the decision to evacuate was made when firefighters discovered smoke in the basement.
“When the basement door was opened, a lot of heavy smoke poured out,” said White. “Officers from the PIPD went through the building, floor-to-floor, making sure everyone got out safely.”
White said once the problem was taken care of, the people were allowed to return inside. No injuries were reported.
“Once we identified the problem, it was fixed. Fortunately, it wasn’t a serious problem. The alarm worked as it should,” said White. “And the nice weather allowed folks an extended coffee break.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
OFFICER LARRY FICKETT, of the Presque Isle Police Department, arrives on scene following an alarm at the KeyBank building on Main St. May 13 that resulted in the evacuation of several people from the structure.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
BUILDING EVACUATED — Members of the Presque Isle Fire and Police departments responded to the KeyBank building on Main St. May 13 shortly before noon, to investigate a smoke alarm. Occupants were told to leave the building when smoke was discovered in the basement. A worn machine belt was found to be the cause and was subsequently repaired.
