|
|
'Cats' opening evacuated by gas leak
|
|
August 10, 2012 |
 The
opening night performance of "Cats" by the
Bonners Ferry Summer Youth Theatre was
interrupted last night by a fire alarm, which
forced the evacuation of the Becker Auditorium
and the cancellation of the rest of the show.
Those attending the premiere were told they'll be
admitted for free to tonight's final performance
to see the rest of the show.
The high school fire alarm went off at 8:50
p.m., shortly into the second act of the
performance. A Bonners Ferry Police officer took
the stage and ordered the evacuation as a
precaution.
Initially, artistic director David Carpenter
thought the interruption would be brief and the
show would resume, but as audience and cast
continued to wait, he decided to send everyone
home, inviting audience members to the Friday
performance.
According to Bonners Ferry Fire Chief Pat
Warkentin, this was the second alarm at the high
school in two days fire crews had responded to.
On Wednesday, no problems were found and it was
assumed it was either a false or faulty alarm;
on Thursday night, he said, crews found a
natural gas leak in a water heater located in
the mechanical room, which sits above portion of
the auditorium and gym.
School officials were advised of the leak,
Warkentin said, and maintenance personnel came
in to make repairs, but a second leak was
discovered in a gas line entering the building,
and an Avista crew from Sandpoint had to be
called in and repairs made.
Fire crews finally cleared the scene at 10:47
p.m.
According to one audience member, the cast was
not only spectacular on stage, but performed
admirably following the evacuation as well.
"Ben Hart and Charena Branscum were on stage
doing their bit when the police officer walked
up on stage and announced the evacuation," said
Sommer Kahanek, whose daughter, Meggie, plays a
mouse. "We never heard any alarms in the
auditorium. Charena and Ben directed from stage
where the exits were, very calm and poised.
After we were outside, the rest of the cast were
right outside the doors, directing us to the
parking lot. They were all so mature and
responsible."
Tonight's performance of "Cats" begins at 7 p.m.
and doors open at 6:30 p.m. |
|
|
|
|
