HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — A fire at Greenbriar Apartments, 121 Waverly Road in Holland, sent one resident to the hospital with smoke inhalation overnight, according to a Holland Fire Services statement made early Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020.
Crews from Holland Stations 1,2, and 3, and Holland Township Station 2 responded to a building alarm signalling a commercial fire.
As firefighters were enroute, they learned there was heavy smoke in the 66-unit apartment building with a fire on the second floor, according to Holland Fire Capt. Chris Tinney.
Firefighters found fire in a second-floor trash room, with heavy smoke, and quickly doused it. The fire was contained to a trash cart, fire authorities said, adding that early detection and quick response resulted in a positive outcome.
No firefighters were hurt. Hamilton firefighters covered City of Holland services during the incident.
They found smoke throughout the second floor, extending into the third floor, Tinney said. At that point, firefighers evacuated residents from the affected floors and doused the fire in the trash bin.
Once that was out, firefighters cleare smoke from the building, testing the air for air carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, before letting residents back inside.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental and most likely a result of discarded smoking materials. Damage as a result of the fire was limited to a large rubbish cart.
All 3 Holland Stations responded to the fire and mutual aid was received from the Holland Township Fire Department and Hamilton Fire Department. Officers from the Holland Police Department were on scene early into the incident and assisted throughout. AMR provided transport of the occupant that experienced smoke inhalation.
Tinney noted this fire is the third in a commercial structure with fire alarm systems that made early notification of the fire. A fire at the Medilodge of Holland on Feb. 18, 2020, and one at LG Chem on January 30, 2020, both led to sprinkler activiation.
“Fire alarm systems, fire protection systems, and a rapid response from the fire department have translated into positive outcomes that include limited property loss, minimal interruption to the occupants and most of all no loss of life,” Tinney wrote in his statement to media.
He said it’s a good reminder to all Holland residents and business owners to take fire alarm and smoke alarm activations seriously.
Once alarms sound, people should start emergency operation plans and evacuate.
Anyone who needs help creating these plans is encouraged to contact Holland fire officials at (616) 355-1020.
