On Monday, August 19, 2024, at 9:04 PM, the Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to the Rochester Fairgrounds for a report of a visible fire in the grandstands. Within two minutes, an automatic alarm was also received for water flow in the sprinkler system.

Car-4, the Shift Commander, arrived on the scene to find a large grandstand building 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. The fire had extended under the seating area and burned through the floor. It was apparent that multiple sprinkler heads had activated, extinguishing most of the active fire and stopping its spread.

Rochester firefighters stretched two hose lines, completing the final extinguishment of the fire. A large amount of smoke was removed from the building, and the sprinkler system was shut down. The fire was under control within 15 minutes and was declared out at 10:23 PM.

No victims were located in the building, and no injuries were reported. The property owner and management representatives arrived on the scene to address the property’s needs.

The fire is under investigation by the Rochester Fire Department.

Rochester Fire was assisted on the scene by the Rochester Police, and off-duty Rochester firefighters provided station coverage.