Authorities: Fire that destroyed 'World's largest biker bar' was accident
The fire that destroyed the so-called “World’s largest biker bar” was an accident, according to authorities.
The Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, S.D., burned to the ground in the middle of the night on September 8. The bar was a popular venue during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally held in the town each year.
Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have determined “conclusively” that the blaze was caused by a pinched power cord.
Owner Michael Ballard told KEVN News that "we had a keg cooler behind the main bar, and they had pulled it out multiple times whether for cleaning or switching kegs out.
“When they pushed it back, it crinked the power cord and it didn't break the power cord open so that it would arc and throw a breaker. It heated the cord up and beside the cooler was a cardboard box, the cord caught the box on fire, and that's what ignited this fire."
Ballard had liability insurance for the business, but no coverage for the building itself. With the loss estimated at $10 million, he tells KOTA News he hasn’t decided if he’ll be rebuilding it. However, the adjacent campground he also operates was undamaged, and will be opened for next year’s rally.
Article originally on FOXNews.com
Posted by Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday, September 8, 2015
