Tag Archives: Michigan

College/University (on campus), Nursing Home/Senior Living, Residential, School / University

Holland, MI – Two separate fires contained by sprinkler systems; No injuries reported

Two fires broke out at Holland-area buildings within 48 hours of each other, and both were stopped by fire suppression systems before causing major damage, according to the Holland Fire Department.

The first fire was reported just before midnight on Feb. 8 at the Resthaven Farmstead, a senior living community in Holland. Crews were initially notified of a waterflow alarm, which was upgraded to a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find that a bag of linens had caught fire in a kitchen storage area. The fire marshal’s investigation determined the cause was spontaneous combustion of products within the linens. The building’s sprinkler system had already extinguished the fire before crews arrived.

The second fire happened on the morning of Feb. 10 at the Hope College DeWitt Student and Cultural Center, located at 141 East 12th Street. At 7:02 a.m., Holland firefighters and police were dispatched following a waterflow alarm. Hope Campus Safety had been investigating the alarm and discovered smoke in the basement. When firefighters arrived at 7:08 a.m., they found that a fire had occurred in a basement office. The Holland Fire Marshal determined the fire likely started near a desktop light. Again, the building’s suppression system had done its job before firefighters got there.

No injuries were reported at either scene, and the Hope College fire had minimal impact on classes and normal building operations, the department said.

The Holland Fire Department credited proper maintenance of the sprinkler systems for the outcomes at both buildings and is urging all building owners with sprinkler systems and fire alarms to keep them maintained and functioning as designed.

The Holland Township Fire Department, Holland Police Department, and American Medical Response provided assistance at both fires.

Apartment Building, Residential

Battle Creek, MI – Sprinkler system activated for apartment fire; No injuries reported

No injuries were reported in an apartment fire Wednesday, Jan. 28, in Battle Creek, according to a statement from the city.

The Battle Creek Fire Department was initially called for a fire alarm at 183 West St. at 11 a.m. The incident was upgraded to a structure fire when a second alarm was activated.

The BCFD’s Rescue 2 arrived within three minutes and made their way to the fifth floor, while Car 3 arrived on scene and established command. Once Rescue 2 reached the apartment unit and made entry, they discovered that the sprinkler system had activated and located a fire in the kitchen.

Rescue 2 quickly extinguished the fire, while Engine 1 assisted with advancing hose, Engine 3 brought fans up to ventilate the floor, and Rescue 6 took control of the water to the sprinkler system, according to the city.

Due to the quick action of the crews and the sprinkler system, the fire was contained to the kitchen area of the apartment unit, where it started. There was no fire damage to any other areas of the building.

Other Business, Place of Worship

Wyoming, MI – Sprinkler system activated for fire at church

Cleanup is underway at a church in Wyoming after a fire Monday night.

That night, board members of The Potter’s House noticed a glare beyond The Potter House Chapel’s windows. It wasn’t the sun they were seeing, it was flames.

“It’s like, ‘My goodness, the church is on fire,’” said John Booy, superintendent of the Potter’s House School.

Booy said the fire started in a waste basket near a sound board in the sanctuary, damaging the equipment. Fortunately, it was put out quickly.

“Our fire suppression sprinkler system worked really well because the fire started right underneath the balcony, which is all wood and it would’ve been no time, it would’ve gone up like a match,” Booy said.

Water from the sprinkler system caused some damage in the sanctuary and classrooms underneath it that are used for computer, art, science and music classes for the school that is connected to the church.

“There was an extensive amount of damage to the ceilings, which will all pretty much have to be replaced, smoke damage, soot is going to have to be taken care of, electrical has been damaged,” Booy said.

In the hours following the fire, Booy said The Potter’s House saw an outpouring of help from the community to start the recovery process.

“Everybody came out, got out of bed, drove over, even if it was from Holland or Muskegon, worked all through the night until 4:30 (a.m.) and beyond,” Booy said.

As restoration work continues, school is expected to begin as normal on Aug. 26. But it could take some time before the sanctuary can be used.

“We’re not going to be able to have our opening worship session in the church like we planned,” Booy said.

He said he’s thankful that no one was hurt and the fire wasn’t worse. He acknowledged things could have been much different if those board members didn’t notice the incident quickly.

“You have a meeting that you never have go that long, you leave and you see a light in there and you’re on it right away. So we were able to notify the fire department immediately,” Booy said.

Residential, Residential High Rise

Ann Arbor, MI – Sprinkler system extinguishes fire at high-rise apartment building; No injuries reported

Firefighters are investigating how a plastic plant in the 7th floor lobby of the Court House Square Apartments caught on fire Tuesday morning.

Ann Arbor Fire Department personnel arrive at the downtown highrise around 7:27 a.m. to find smoke and flowing water on the 7th floor.

Officials said the floor’s sprinkler system — activated by the on-fire plant — extinguished the fire. An elevator and several floors were damaged by the water but no one was injured.

Firefighters consider the incident suspicious.

Court House Square apartments are at 100 S. Fourth Ave.

Apartment Building, Residential

Mackinac Island, MI – Sprinkler system activated for fire at apartment complex

Just before 2, the Fire Department was sent to the Stonecliffe Neighborhood for a report of an Apartment Fire.

The chief tells us a 2 story employee dorm was on fire after an incorrect use of an appliance.
The majority of the fire was knocked down by the sprinkler system.

Units cleared in 40 minutes.

Manufacturing, Other - Manufacturing

Almont, MI – Sprinkler system activated for fire at metal casting facility

A two-alarm fire in the Almont Industrial Park brought firefighters from two Lapeer County fire departments to Aristo-Cast Metal Investment Casting, Inc. Monday. The Almont Fire Department responded to the initial call at 7400 Research Drive in Almont and promptly requested mutual aid from the Imlay City Fire Department. Almont Fire Chief Don Smith said his department was called at 4 a.m. Monday morning. According to Chief Smith, one of the ovens used to melt wax pellets malfunctioned and caught fire. He said the company’s sprinkler system activated and likely saved the building from being destroyed. Chief Smith said around 3,000 gallons of water was used by the two departments, in addition to the sprinkler system. One employee was treated for minor smoke inhalation. Almont First Responders and Lapeer County EMS also responded to the fire. Chief Smith said units cleared the scene by 6 a.m. 

Apartment Building, Residential

Battle Creek, MI – Sprinkler system activated for fire at apartment complex

A fire ravaged three apartments in Battle Creek Saturday night, though the Battle Creek Fire Department confirmed there were no injuries.

According to reports by WZZM 13, the fire broke out at around 10:20 p.m. at an apartment building located at 111 West Street.

Upon arrival, smoke was observed in the hallway of the building.

The department’s investigation led to the discovery of a blaze that originated from a vent fan in a first-floor apartment, firefighters had to remove drywall from the ceiling to tackle the inferno.

“Crews pulled drywall from the ceiling to access the fire and put it out,” detailed the report by WZZM 13. The fire managed to extend its reach to the second floor, prompting the activation of a sprinkler system.

All residents were reported safe and, while the fire itself was contained, the aftermath saw disruption for the residents.

As noted by FOX 17, the American Red Cross stepped in to assist those who were unable to return to their apartments following the incident.

The repercussions of controlling the blaze included collateral damage; the apartments sustained fire-related harm and the water supply had to be cut to facilitate repairs of a damaged sprinkler reported MLive. Although the intrepid response from fire personnel contained the situation, residents faced the inconvenience of water outage.

The cause behind the harrowing event was identified as an “electrical shortage,” yet investigations continue, the Battle Creek Fire Department told reporters. The exact number of individuals displaced by the catastrophe has not been provided, but the quick response of emergency services prevented any physical injuries from being sustained.

Nursing Home/Senior Living, Residential

Lansing, MI – Sprinkler system activated for fire at senior community center

Twin Oaks Senior Community residents have been displaced after damage from a fire and a sprinkler system affected multiple units.

The Lansing Fire Department reports that 13 apartment units were impacted, leaving 26-30 displaced people.

Local authorities collaborated with the Red Cross to provide safe shelter for those in need.

According to the crew, the fire started in the hallway but was contained by the building’s sprinkler system.

As of Monday morning, the Lansing Fire Department said they are investigating the fire as suspicious.

Uncategorized

Ann Arbor, MI – Sprinkler system activated for fire inside building; No injuries reported

Fire crews in Ann Arbor are crediting a building’s sprinkler system with saving the structure.

According to authorities, the fire happened at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at a building located on Ellsworth Road, just east of Varsity Drive.

Firefighters responding to the scene forced their way into the building and found water flowing from under a door. Inside that room, they found a fire in a trash can that did not spread because of the activated sprinkler system.

Authorities said the fire was caused by the trash can being too close to the boiler.

The fire was extinguished, the water was shut off and the building was ventilated. No injuries were reported.

Apartment Building, Residential

Ann Arbor, MI – Sprinkler system activated for fire at apartment complex

Fire crews in Ann Arbor are crediting a sprinkler system preventing a fire from causing significant damage.

According to authorities, the fire happened Saturday night at an apartment complex on Lyndenglen Drive. The Ann Arbor Fire Department said the fire was caused by hot ashes being placed on a wood pile on an outside balcony.

The damage to the apartment complex is estimated to be $5,000. Authorities said without the sprinkler, the fire would have made it into the attic before fire crews arrived.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department said any ash removed from a fireplace should be placed in a steel container with a lid and cooled for at least 24 hours. The container should never be inside, on a wooden porch, deck or balcony and needs to be placed at least 10 feet away from any structure to cool.

Reporting on lives and property saved by fire sprinklers