Incident number: 2589-2019
Type of emergency: Structure fire
Incident date: 5/5/2019
Alarm time: 1:32 p.m.
Occupied? YES
Owner: S.A.F.E. Place
Probable cause (if known): Construction worker removing paint on a window frame with a heat gun
Structure type: Shelter for women and children
Construction type: Brick
Estimated property damage: Undetermined
Estimated contents damage: Undetermined
Location/extent of damage: Window frame in side entryway - minor
Hazardous materials involved: None
Specialized rescues: None
Vehicles involved, if any: None
Injuries: None
Fatalities: None
Other information: The Battle Creek Fire Department responded to a reported occupied structure fire at S.A.F.E. Place. Upon arrival, crews found a maintenance person using a heat gun to remove paint, which caught the window frame on fire. The fire extended into the wall. Engine 2 and Rescue 3 quickly extinguished the fire. They opened the area around it and extinguished the fire that was in the wall. They checked for further extension and ventilated the building. Crews were on-scene approximately 30 minutes. S.A.F.E. Place did evacuate during this time. Residents were allowed back in after BCFD deemed the building safe. BCFD responded with 17 firefighters and one Battalion Chief.