GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) and several other local agencies were on the scene of a structure fire in the 700 block of Lake Michigan Drive NW.
GRFD arrived and discovered smoke coming from a residential structure. After further inspection, GRFD found that the fire was coming from the back of the structure and smoke was coming from the attic.
Due to deteriorating fire conditions, the building has been evacuated and GRFD believe one man was home at the time. No injuries were reported. The fire started in the back of the house and was heavily damaged and the roof is gone.
"The fire had advanced into the attic," said Grand Rapids Fire Department Lieutenant Bill Smith, "Pretty much at every point, they encountered, on the first and second floor, we had fire in the walls. So, this is a very dangerous type of fire."
Due to the cold weather, it was challenging to put out the fire. GRFD called a second alarm to increase their ability to combat the fire in the cold, and had about 34 fire officials on the scene. 10 machines were also at the scene. Water had to be continuously flowing, so the hoses did not freeze.
"We’re spraying water on the scene, and it quickly turns to ice and makes a simple task of walking that much more difficult," said Smith, "Our firefighters will also get wet when they're in fire attack mode, so not only are they combating the fire, but the extra weight, the ice that builds up on their equipment."
Smith said his people are well trained and in excellent physical condition to handle this these tough conditions. However, they will be getting a break later today as they exhausted all of their energy. Also, they may be "hitting coffee and hot cocoa for sure today."
It is unclear what began the fire at this time.
A United States Post Office letter carrier may have aided in responding to the fire Thursday afternoon. While Smith did not know the extend to which the letter carrier helped, he said it appeared to be "very helpful," and "made a difference."
Plainfield and Walker fire departments assisted in the response.
This is a developing story, check back here for updates.
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