BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – A fire damaged four apartments at Arbors of Battle Creek shortly after noon Saturday, Jan. 3, displacing residents and killing two cats.
The Battle Creek Fire Department responded at 12:27 p.m. Crews arrived to find smoke coming from the third floor. Car 3 assumed command. Rescue 6 deployed a handline to the third floor while Engine 4 conducted a primary search. Truck 1 backed up Rescue 6.
Firefighters found flames in walls and floors between apartments on the second and third floors. Rescue 2 advanced a second handline to the second floor and opened ceilings and walls to reach the fire. Engine 3 searched the first and second floors, and Engine 5 checked adjacent apartments and assisted with overhaul.
Crews brought the main fire under control within 40 minutes after chasing flames into the second-floor ceiling and multiple hot spots. Four apartments sustained heavy damage, and utilities were shut off. Investigators believe the cause was electrical.
All occupants evacuated safely. Firefighters rescued multiple pets, but unfortunately two cats died. Battle Creek Police assisted at the scene, while Consumers Energy and SEMCO secured utilities. The American Red Cross provided support to residents displaced by the fire.
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