Extra Practice News Story 2: Fire

A typical day at Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant ended in disaster yesterday afternoon around 2 pm when a grease fire broke out. The restaurant, located in the main level of a three story apartment building, was on the corner of 21st and Washington Boulevard. Fortunately, only five people were in the building, all of which survived. Police arrived at the scene approximately around 2:07. Deputy Fire Chief Greg Chamberlain said the investigation had not yet begun, but they had no reason to suspect arson.

Pedro Sanchez, twenty-seven, is the owner of the Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant. He had been cooking hamburgers when the fire started. Only one person, customer Michael Freeman, was in the restaurant and he was able to call for emergency services. Three others, Miguel Sanchez, the brother of Pedro, and his two daughters were in the second level of the building. Maria del Mar, age four, and Mercedes, age two, were taken to the McKay-Dee Hospital for smoke inhalation, while Miguel was treated at the scene.

Rebuilding of the restaurant looks promising for Pedro. “Many have already offered to help rebuild. People like coming into the restaurant and we hope to grow bigger.” He has been in the United States for two years now, while his brother and two nieces are still awaiting residency. The apartment building owner Rachel Calhoun offered no comment at this time.