A prank call ended with the fire suppression system being activated at a local restaurant.

Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman, says that at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, firefighters learned that a fire suppression hood system had discharged at the Waffle House Restaurant on West Jonathon Moore Pike. Fire investigators say that the system was manually activated by an employee. According to investigators, an employee answered a phone call from someone claiming to be a member of a fire department. Wilson says that the caller advised the employee that the fire department needed to reset the fire suppression system within the restaurant. The caller went on to explain, in detail, what the employee needed to do to assist the fire department. The caller told the employee to pull the discharge handle of the system, which would allow the system to reset. When the pull station was tripped, the fire suppression system discharged, sending a dry powder extinguishing agent throughout the cooking area.

Investigators said that the restaurant was closed for an unknown amount of time, and that the board of health responded to the scene. The restaurant was required to recharge the fire suppression system before re-opening to the public. No injuries were reported.

Columbus Fire Department Inspector Matt Noblitt warns that this type of call should raise red flags for business and residents. Noblitt said, “a member of the fire department is always present when testing or inspecting a fire protection system. We don’t ask anyone to test a fire protection system through a telephone call.” Noblitt adds that most businesses have designated representatives that work closely with the department’s fire prevention bureau.

If you receive such a phone call, the Columbus Fire Department urges you to call them at (812) 376-2679.