The fire was confined to the exterior of the at 291 Burnett Road.
CHICOPEE — A fire at the Chicopee Lanes bowling center on Burnett Road opposite Massachusetts Turnpike Exit 6 was extinguished by Chicopee firefighters Thursday night.
The fire was confined to the exterior of the structure at 291 Burnett Road. A 20- by 30-foot section of the building's exterior paneling near the front door was damaged. The building was evacuated, apparently as a precaution.
Deputy Fire Chief Joseph R. Crevier said the fire never made it inside the building. Firefighters quickly extinguished it. He estimated the damage at less than $3,000.
The cause could not be immediately determined. The Chicopee arson investigator was expected on scene shortly to determine a cause.
Crevier said the building was evacuated before firefighters arrived. Somebody pulled the fire alarm inside to evacuate, he said.
Outside the bowling alley, groups of bowlers huddled together. Many were still wearing bowling shoes. They said they hope to be allowed back inside to finish their game and to retrieve their shoes and their car keys.
One woman who did it not wish to be identified said she was inside bowling with friends when the staff started the evacuation. She heard somebody yell there was a fight inside, but later realized the person actually said there's a fire outside.
Crevier said he expected the building to be reopened sometime Thursday night.