Mayor Suttle Praises Community Spirit Following Fires

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OMAHA (KPTM)- Mayor Jim Suttle and community members impacted by two recent fires said thank you to responding firefighters Saturday.

Suttle praised the community spirit that has come together since a fire devastated Elkhorn Lanes off 204th Street in Elkhorn.

"Nearby business owners opened their doors to provide warmth and shelter," said Suttle.

The bowling alley's owner Steve Sempeck said he came out Saturday to thank the men he saw endure frigid conditions early Thursday.

"To see the ice, and risk of the freezing to death, and the slipping and falling," said Sempeck.

In a fire about 24 hours later, a string of business in a strip mall near 120th and Pacific were also torched.

"It was so windy and so cold, the water coming out of the hoses was freezing in the air," said Andy Hoig.

The Metro Magazine publisher said her office space was destroyed.

During both fires, firefighters battled wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero, blowing snow, and freezing water.

Nearby businesses opened up in the middle of the night, and provided shelter and warmth for firefighters to recover.

Mayor Suttle said it was important to recognize those who have stepped up in the face of adversity.

"This is truly the spirit of the people of Omaha," said Suttle.

There was no official word as to what was behind either fire. Damage estimates aren't yet known.