The riverboat smokestacks at Great American Ball Park have kept Reds fans entertained since the venue officially opened in 2003. They launch fireworks and flash lights. The smokestacks also shoot fire, which is what happened during Friday night’s game against the Giants.
This time, however, the fire did not go out like it was supposed to.
With the Giants at bat in the top of the sixth inning, the smokestacks shot flames and fireworks to pump up the crowd. The problem was that a flame coming from one of the smokestacks continued to flicker and never went out, with plenty of black smoke surrounding it as well.
@WCPO Smokestack at GABP is on fire and smoking LOTS! pic.twitter.com/rPJQpAPTD6
— Jacob Robb (@jacobino14) May 16, 2015
The #reds stadium is burning, during the #sfgiants game… pic.twitter.com/QrWQGIvi60
— Brodie Brazil (@brodiebrazilCSN) May 16, 2015
Not good pic.twitter.com/AYpfF4ewQB
— Dave Flemming (@FlemmingDave) May 16, 2015
Fans seated in two sections near the smokestacks were evacuated.
Fire getting worse. They’re moving fans from bleachers. pic.twitter.com/lLmhzYKYTj — John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) May 16, 2015
Fortunately, the Cincinnati Fire Department was on the scene quickly, and firefighters climbed up a ladder leading to the smokestack to extinguish the fire.
Looks like firefighters got it out… Cheering for the crowd!!! Great Job! @WCPO pic.twitter.com/V5OrDlfDvq
— Jacob Robb (@jacobino14) May 16, 2015
Firefighters finally make it up ladder to control fire in Cincinnati. Crowd loves it. pic.twitter.com/mW20MuPHOk
— Kevin Morrell (@KMorrellFox4) May 16, 2015
The flames were eventually put out, and the game resumed. Unfortunately for Reds fans, the Giants emerged victorious, 10-2, but at least no one was hurt.
[Photo via Kevin Morrell]
