Dateline: December 20, 2007

Safety device caused  Sam Hill's fire

A faulty surge protector is being blamed for the December 8 blaze that destroyed Sam Hill’s BBQ.

Clarendon Fire Marshal Kelly Hill said an investigation last week by his office and the state fire marshal’s office concluded that the fire started with a common safety device – a surge protector located under the counter where the cash register was.

“It was a high burning fire,” Hill said. “There was a lot of paper goods and Styrofoam cups under there that just acted like gasoline.”

Hill urged people to check their surge protectors at home and work, especially during this holiday season when so many folks have Christmas lights plugged into them.

“A lot of people are under the impression that these things last forever,” Hill said. “But if you have one that keeps tripping or has taken a direct hit from a surge, it needs to be replaced.”

A blinking light on a surge protector could also be a sign that it is weak, Hill said.

The owner of the restaurant said she thought the surge protector in question had been there since she bought the restaurant in 2001, Hill said.

 “Just because you have a surge protector, it’s not a done deal. You need to keep an eye on them.”

The Sam Hill’s fire was reported by an Allsup’s clerk at 4:40 a.m. that Saturday. Clarendon volunteer firemen were on the scene seven minutes later, but even with their quick action, nothing could save the popular restaurant.

Officials have called the fire a total loss.

Owner Terri Hommel told the Enterprise last week that nothing appears to be salvageable from the restaurant but said she does have insurance on the building.

“I’m hoping to rebuild. That’s my plan,” she said.

This is the second time fire has hit Sam Hill’s. In August 2002, flames shot out the door of the cooker when it was opened by an employee. That blaze destroyed the kitchen area and resulted in smoke and water damage throughout the building.