2 house fires call for area Mutual Aid
Jan. 31, 2019 PLYMOUTH EAGLE.
Plymouth Michigan News
Don Howard
Staff Writer
Professional cooperation and teamwork among several community fire departments was crucial in battling two major house fires, one in Northville and one in Plymouth, recently.
Bitterly cold sub-zero temperatures created difficult conditions for the firefighters last Sunday evening responding to a structure fire on Forest Drive in Northville Township explained Northville Township Fire Chief Brent Siegel. He said his first units responded within four minutes of the 9-1-1 calls to find a working fire in the kitchen and basement of the large two-story single family home with walkout basement and three-car attached garage.
According to a report from Siegel, even with mutual aid from Plymouth Township, Northville City, Livonia and Novi fire departments it took more than an hour to bring the fire under control with a total of 30 firefighter-paramedics. First units to arrive were the township command unit, ladder truck (fire engine) and two ambulances. All total, six fire engines and four ambulances were dispatched to the home. He said it took the fire department 3 1⁄2 hours before all the hot-spots were completely extinguished and 5 hours before firefighters could leave the scene. The 3,800 square foot brick colonial suffered significant damage to the first floor kitchen and basement, Siegel said.
The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation and the loss estimate of structural damage has yet to be determined, according to official reports. The home was insured and the fire department is working with the homeowners and their insurance company. There were no reported injuries.
Just hours after fighting the fire in the city of Northville, Northville Township fire fighters were asked for mutual aid response at 225 Amelia St. in Plymouth, along with both the Plymouth City and Plymouth Township fire departments.
According to Northville-Plymouth Fire Chief Steve Ott, the cause of the fire at the older frame home remains under investigation. When the first units arrived at 6:34 a.m., 4 minutes after the 9-1-1 call, Ott said firefighters observed smoke coming from the unoccupied residence and discovered fire in the kitchen and first floor that had spread to the attic.
Two aerial ladder trucks were required to bring the fire under control, one requested from the Canton Fire Department. Because of the frigid cold temperatures additional aid was requested from both the Livonia and Novi Fire departments to provide needed manpower relief for the firefighters.
Because of the frigid cold temperatures additional aid was requested from both the Livonia and Novi Fire Department to provide needed manpower relief for the firefighters.
The next morning neighbors reported smoke again coming from the home as the fire had re-kindled. Personnel from the Plymouth City Fire Department again responded.
A local non-profit, The Main Street League, a 501(c) 3 organization made up of local volunteers with a mission to advance charitable needs in the community, has set up a website and is collecting monetary donations to help the displaced Northville Township family with expenses for essential items. They can be contacted at: www.mainstreetleague.com/hamilton-house-fire
Plymouth Voice.
Gallery photo © Don Howard / Associated Newspapers
