I know I am not supposed to post, and this DONT COUNT!!!
I also thought about that scenario, and yes, someone did run down the aisle yelling fire and waving his hands... not sure who it was.
But, after I reviewed and assessed the situation, and discussed it with a couple others there, I decided that there was smoke still be generated, i.e. there was a stream of smoke not just wafting, the source was not visible and unknown potential to spread or combust, and that it was active.
I decided it was time to get some, all or as many people out in the best way possible.
I determined that an announcement would take several more minutes, and would not be heard or understood.
The fire alarm had been going off for almost 5 minutes, everyone knew something was going on, and I believe they were expecting an announcement.
I basically stood on the chair, (yes that was me, and yes, I fell through the chair five minutes later)
I asked for everyone attention and for the to stop shopping.
I actually got a really good response, it got quiet QUICKLY.
I basically stated that it was probably best for every one to leave from the closest exit, and that it was not URGENT and tehre was no need to run or panic.
I think about 20-30% did start leaving.
After about two+ minutes, I made the same announcement, and got about 90% people to start leaving.
After about 5+ minutes, I saw about a dozen people still shopping, buying and selling, and transferring monies, I started to get LOUDER, at which someone suggested I should not do that. So I shut up and just watched the remaining mosey on out...
After the firedepartment showed, and made thier assessment that whatever it was, was either going out or already extinguished, (they used FLIR / infra red detector / monitor, VERY COOL)
I overheard them discuss that it was going to be resolved and cancelled, (the emergency) is a short period of time, and that they had to follow procedures in that they needed to open the wall to see the damage, and or ascertain that that it would not start back up and again, it would be a short period of time...
I went outside and made several announcements totry to quench the thirst for information and or rumors or whatever...
I indicated that it would be about 15 minutes til vendors would be allowed back in, then about 5-10 minutes for guests and attendees to get back in.
I also suggested that there should be smoke damage items up for sale and a good fire sale or two.
I think it actually went well, i.e. the people vendors and attendees, all reacted well and were pretty patient and understanding.
I think the OC fair grounds personell responded quickly and as well as the OC fire Dept.
I actgually am surprised at how concientious, (SP?) they were of the event and getting them back up and running as quickly as possible. Something I would think would not be a concern to them at all..
