GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Three firefighters were injured in a fire at Ridgewood Apartments Saturday morning.
Authorities say a "significant" fire at the apartment complex broke out just before 9 a.m. Crews from the Grand Rapids Fire Department and the Kentwood Fire Department responded and residents were evacuated.
Authorities say the building is a three-section multi-family building. The fire spread to surrounding areas, which was partially caused by high winds. It was confirmed that the building does not have sprinkler systems.
Three firefighters were confirmed to have been injured in the fire. One suffered a broken ankle after falling down a staircase. Another firefighter, a lieutenant, was injured when a large section of ceiling came down on top of him. A third firefighter, a captain, sustained smoke inhalation injuries. All three firefighters are in stable condition.
"These high winds, when we have a structure fire it makes firefighting that much more dangerous, because it makes ventilation and air track moments a little more perilous for our firefighters," said Lt. Bill Smith with GRFD.
No residents were injured, but multiple residents have been displaced. Authorities say all 36 units of the building have been deemed unfit for occupation. The Red Cross is working with residents to find temporary accommodations.
Building renovations are expected to take several months to complete, authorities say.
Additional firefighters had to be called in today due to multiple structure fires, Smith said.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
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