Frozen Sprinkler Pipe Creates Mess at Market Square

The Potsdam Fire Department was dispatched to Jazzercise in the Market Square Mall, 22 Depot Street, for a reported fuel leak or gas odor in the building. Central Dispatch advised that the occupants were evacuating the building. Engine 48, staffed by Fire Driver Bob Crowe, Firefighter Steve Bond, and Fire Chief Chris Taylor, went enroute immediately, having just returned from an alarm activation at Debra Drive Apartments. While enroute, Central Dispatch advised that they were now receiving a commercial fire alarm for the Market Square Mall. Upon arrival, Engine 48 found the occupants had evacuated and there was a large water leak in coming from the ceiling between the two sets of doors in the entryway. Chief Taylor determined that the leak was coming from an apparent break in the sprinkler system. The sprinkler system for that area of the building was shut down and drained. It was determined that the fuel odor that was intially reported was infact the inital water coming from the sprinkler system. Fire department personnel immediately began salvage operations, removing water using squeegees, brooms, and wet-vacs. Village of Potsdam Code Enforcement Officer John Hill was requested to the scene to ensure prompt and proper repair to the system. Units returned to service at 1044 hours.