Fire at Fairgrounds won't affect grandstand attendance, RAMA board member says

A GRAND CROWD: A huge crowd packs the grandstand at a recent Bus Derby event at the Granite State Fair. .(Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - With the start of the Granite State Fair just three weeks away, it was with a huge sigh of relief that fair organizers learned that a fire suppression system inside the fair's grandstand prevented what could have been a disaster after a small fire broke out in the venerable structure Monday night.
Rochester Fire Chief Dennis Dube told The Rochester Voice on Wednesday that the cause of the smoky blaze was deemed "undetermined" after an investigation.

"Seven sprinkler heads activated during the fire, controlling further fire spread," he noted adding that the sprinkler system was placed back in service on Tuesday.
Firefighters responded to the blaze around 9:05 p.m., shortly after which an automatic alarm was also received for water flow in the sprinkler system.
When firefighters arrived they found the grandstand with nothing showing from the rear of the building, although alarms were sounding. Upon further investigation, the sprinkler system was found to be activated in the lower area and seating area, with fire located in a blocked-off enclosed stairway, according to a release from the city on Wednesday.
A Rochester Agricultural and Mechanical Association board member told The Rochester Voice on Wednesday that the fire broke out in the farthest end of the building from its public entrance and was located near a blocked-off stairwell that used to take horse racing fans down to the betting area and beer concession.
"I don't think the damage will affect seating," said the board member who asked not to be identified because they aren't an official spokesman for RAMA. "If anything, it might affect a few seats on either side of the stairwell."
Meanwhile, this year's Grandstand shows include three Bus Derby events, on Sept. 14, Sept. 20 and Sept. 21. There will also be a Demolition Derby, EnduroCross/Trailer Derby, Garden Tractor Pulling and Truck Pulls.
Tickets for Grandstand Events are now on sale at https://www.granitestatefair.com/grandstand-events/