Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman reports the Red Oak Fire Department was called to Ace Hardware in Red Oak at 1:34-p.m., Friday, for an air conditioning unit possibly on fire on the roof.

Photos courtesy Brian Hamman, Montgomery County EMA

Upon arrival, no fire was present however light smoke was visible in the interior of the structure coming out of the duct work.  Crews immediately began investigating the source of smoke both inside the structure and on the roof to ensure no fire was present and to limit any potential fire spread.  Jones Mechanical was requested to the scene and determined that an air conditioning unit had failed and was the source of the smoke.

As a precaution, Ace Hardware and the Family Dollar Store were evacuated for a short time while crews could work and determine that no hazards were present.  There was no fire damage to the facility and smoke damage is very limited.  Crews were on scene for roughly 45 minutes. Red Oak Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Red Oak Police Department and Montgomery County Emergency Management.