Wegmans evacuated. Emergency services arrive. All photos by Paul Goldfinger© Click for larger view.
Tuesday, June 4, 9:15 a.m.
I was at Wegmans this a.m. when the fire alarm sounded. It was a repetitive loud blaring noise. At first, everyone ignored it, and none of the customers in the cafe stirred from their routine. But within one minute, as the alarm continued, some of the employees began to move quicker and look concerned. I saw the store manager with a sort of horrified look on his face as he hurried to get to home base. One minute more and the loudspeaker asked everyone to vacate the store. There were no signs of fire at that point.
Wegmans was not crowded at 9:15 am. It was in a relaxed condition. I’ve been there when big crowds were racing a hurricane, and there were almost fist fights. But this time, everyone left in an orderly manner. I went outside—it was a gorgeous morning. When something like this happens on a beautiful day I think of 9-11.
People were coming out of the store walking rapidly. No one was running, but they were heading for the hills. I walked to my car to get my camera, which is always with me.
Outside, many customers jumped in their cars and took off, while others were milling around to watch the action. All the employees assembled together at the far side of the parking lot—down near the highway. Many were chatting amiably and didn’t seem worried. Fire engines and emergency responders showed up. After about 5 minutes, I began to smell a little smoke in the air. I was thinking that the bagels might get browner, just the way I like them. The slightly festive atmosphere among the employees enabled a joke to pop up, like a toaster. A couple of customers drove into the lot, looked around and made a U turn, exiting back onto Route 35 south.
Calm employees assemble in parking lot after the evacuation of Wegmans
An employee coming out of the store after most of the others lit a cigarette and strolled across the parking lot. I asked her if there was a fire. She said that there was a fire in two ducts over the checkout area.
A short time later, everyone was allowed back in the store. Free coffee was offered to those customers who stayed. I didn’t go back in. After I got home, I called, and the customer service person at first denied that anything had happened. When I pressed him, he admitted that there had been an “incident” but it was now resolved. I asked him about the fire, and he said, “I don’t know any of the details.” I then spoke to an employee that I know. She said that “there was an incident.” She denied knowing about a fire. Clearly a talking-point memo had been received by all.
—-Paul Goldfinger