Hotel Frederick Fire Writing Exercise
From the following set of facts, write a 25-35 second VO that would air at 6am on
KOMU-TV. Assume that your videographer shot every piece of video you would need
to write the story. After you write your lead, DESCRIBE your first video in parentheses
next to the copy it references. Use the touch and go style of referencing so the anchor’s
words match the first piece of video. You do not have to describe every single shot in the
story, only the first one. Your writing will be graded on your ability to use active voice
and conversational writing. 10 points of your grade will be based on your ability to write
a follow up memo detailing one or more (try more) items that would be important to
cover later in the day and on successive days.
Hotel Frederick, downtown Boonville built about 100 years ago. Converted to a senior
citizens retirement center 5 years ago.
30 elderly people live there.
Fire badly damaged first two floors of five-story building.
Fire chief Al Bollard says preliminary investigation indicates electrical short in kitchen
was cause.
Kitchen a “total loss” (Bollard); mostly smoke and water damage to other parts of first
and second floors.
28 residents evacuated safely; two missing.
No one yet identified by name and officials trying to contact families.
Firefighters from several neighboring towns called to assist (including Fayette, Glasgow,
Columbia, Boone County Fire Protection District)
Discovered about one a-m by Cooper County Sheriff’s deputy returning from patrol shift
in county.
Preliminary damage estimate by Bollard is about 100-thousand dollars.
Evacuees temporarily housed in un-used wing of county hospital.
Most residents “probably can return to their rooms late this afternoon” says home
administrator Homer Jones.
Bollard says home had been cited four weeks ago for “failure to correct a dangerous
wiring situation in the kitchen area.” The chief declines to be more specific at this time.