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On Saturday night, August 11, 2007, The Harris Grill suffered a fire that originated outside in a trash area.
The fire has resulted in temporary closure of the business.
We would like to thank everyone who has rallied in support for The Grill including friends, family, and local businesses. The list is growing daily. Honestly, the outpouring of support is overwhelming and we are indebted to you all. Much thanks to our entire staff and our wonderful regulars, and in no particular order: Jeff Iovino of Iovino's, Monika Berwein-Banks and KAYA; Ryan Burke and Soba; Ralph, Darren, and Kevin at 5801 Video Lounge; Casbah; Spin; Elbow Room/Bites and Brews/Buffalo Blues; David Shilobod; Tom Baron, Jane Dille, Zakk Weston, and everyone at big Burrito; Jack and Pattie Donovan; Michael Fitzurka; Jimmy Kuhl and Brandon formerly of Fuel and Fuddle; Henry Duckstein and Duckstein Construction; Steve Komazec; all our vendors and suppliers, and everyone who has called, texted, emailed, and stopped by to wish us well.
Big Thanks to Dan Onorato and the Allegheny County Council for raking the easy way out. Never let it be said that you didn't do the least you could do.
Restaurant workers click here.
Please check out www.StopDrinkTax.com for more information on how you can get involved.
Many comments are circulating about this event. We will endeavor to keep the front page of our site updated as frequently as possible, addressing any new rumors as they make their way to us. Here’s what we’d like to address so far: (updated October 21, 2007) LATEST EXPERT OPINION FROM A CONCERNED MOM ON ORIGIN OF FIRE AS VOICED WHILE RETRIEVING CHILD FROM DAYCARE: "The bacon did it." CAUSE The fire was not suspicious in nature. The cause has not been determined officially. Independant cause and origin inspectors looked over the scene on Wednesday afternoon. We hope to have that information soon. The fire began in the trashcan area and moved to the wooden fire escape (yes, a wooden fire escape does not necessarily violate building codes) that conducted the fire to the third floor and the roof.
TIKI TORCH CAUSED FIRE The closest tiki torch was approximately 30 feet south of the fire's origin and in plain view of staff and more than 50 guests. Unless the flame lept ten yards horizontally over a fence without being noticed, this was not the cause. TRASH SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOMEWHERE ELSE Trash was stored in an area approved by ACHD on concrete in closed containers. This is the same space and containers used by the previous owner. CANDLES LEFT BURNING Despite reports of KDKA and local eyewitnesses, our “candles” are rechargeable electronic devices that operate on about 3 volts and create less heat than a wandering hand rubbing an upper thigh under the table. Though they were left “burning” after the fire and well into Sunday morning, they were neither the cause of the fire nor the effect of neglect. FLAME LOGO PREDICTS FIRE Come on, people. Blogging apparently dilutes reason. Does the AMA logo foretell of West Penn Hospital eventually being plagued by snakes curling about walking sticks? Will bears fight forest fires? Are all attendees at the University of Pittsburgh actually four-footed felidae folk in flip-flops? SMOKE DETECTORS DIDN’T WARN PATRONS Fire began outside in trash area. Outdoor areas rarely have smoke detectors. Neither fire nor smoke at any point during guest occupation extended into dining areas. Staff discovered the fire and everyone was evacuated immediately resulting in no injuries. FIRE DEPARTMENT COULDN’T ACCESS THIRD FLOOR The first firefighters arrived on scene minutes after the calls were issued. Response time was fast. We are grateful for their quick response and thoroughness in fighting the fire. Many things worked against them; primary items being utility lines blocking ladder access from Ellsworth Avenue, egress to third floor office area being blocked by fire, and other fires in the area also demanding resources. But there are very few places firefighters can’t get to. Remember your Tonka trucks? They had all those ladders and extending buckets on them. Opening the roof was not “Plan B”; rather, it was standard firefighting effort. GAS LEAK FUELS FIRE No. There was no gas leak. Fire was nowhere near gas lines, appliances, or the kitchen. But we will gladly pay for anyone to have “Ask Me About Gas Leaks” tattooed on their forehead. DUDE SMELLS FIRE AT 8:15 No, dude, you didn’t. URINAL SUFFERS FAT LIP This rumor is unfounded, untrue, and an outright lie. Kisses sustained no injury and currently remains in service. EVERYTHING DESTROYED – A TOTAL LOSS Randall the Enamel Animal, our organoleptic hops transducer module, survived intact, as did the complete set of N’Sync bobbleheads, Hobbes the Smoking Squirrel, and the Jackalopes in Love.
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