HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The fire at the Bay Pointe Apartments, 791 E. 16th St., in Holland is under investigation by city and state fire marshals, according to Holland Fire Capt. Chris Tinney.
Firefighters were called to the scene of the occupied 12-unit building just before 5 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020.
All residents in the building and three pets were able to get out safely. One resident went by ambulance to Holland Hospital for treatment of a medical emergency not directly related to the fire, Tinney said.
As of late Monday no dollar amount could be assigned to damages, but residents will be displaced until repairs can be made to two signifcantly damaged apartments and part of the building’s rear wall
Fire officials noted that fire doors and complete fire separations in the attic and between apartments limited the fire and more damage. Still, all the residents of that building will be displaced while repairs are underway, and are being aided by Red Cross officials,
Holland’s Fire Marshal and the Michigan State Police investigators say it appears the fire started on a second-floor balcony. Smoking hasn’t been ruled out as the fire’s cause.
In addition to assistance from Holland police officers, who helped evacuate residents, mutual aid at the scene came from firefighters at the following departments: Holland Charter Township, Hamilton, Park Township, and Zeeland. Graafschap firefighters covered Holland’s stations to handle calls unrelated to the Bay Pointe incident.
AMR EMTs were on had to help residents and firefighters as needed. Victim services volunteers from HDPS worked with American Red Cross to get temporary housing and help displaced residents meet immediate needs. The Ottawa County Emergency Management volunteers provided canteen service.
Holland fire officials issued a reminder to area residents to sleep with bedroom doors closed while sleeping, and test each smoke alarm to ensure they’re working properly.
