HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, June 30, 2024) – An apparently early Independence Day celebration led to a house fire in Holland late on Saturday night.
According to Department of Public Safety Captain of Fire Operations Chris Tinney, crews were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of East 20th Street, at the edge of the Pilgrim Home Cemetery campus, just before 11 PM. They found flames coming from the garage area of the two-family structure, and after getting the occupants of both units safely out, they were able to bring the blaze under control in about 20 minutes.
One resident had what Tinney called a “medical situation” that was treated by an ambulance staffer at the scene, while a firefighter had to be taken to an undisclosed “emergency department” for treatment of a minor injury suffered when a section of ceiling collapsed on three crew members while bringing the flames under control.
Fire Marshal Bret Groendyke determined that the fire was started accidentally when smoldering fireworks next to the exterior of structure ignited the flames, and a steady wind helped spread the blaze onto the garage, attic and roof. One of the units is believed to be a total loss, while the other unit sustained substantial smoke and water damage. A fire wall separating the two units, along with quick action by firefighters, prevented a total loss of both units.
Six persons were displaced as a result of the incident, which remains under investigation.
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