At 2:03 PM today, the Holland Fire Department was dispatched to 414 Maple Avenue for a fire in the bedroom. While enroute it was learned that the occupants of the first floor were out of the structure however it was believed that occupants of the second-floor apartment were still inside.
Upon arrival at 2:07, the first unit advised that there was a working fire with heavy smoke coming from the second floor. Further investigation revealed that at least one occupant was trapped on the second floor. While preparing to ladder and search the smoke filled second floor, firefighters encountered an unconscious male occupant on the ground in the backyard and initiated immediate treatment.
With the high probability of additional of occupants on the second floor, remaining first arriving firefighters dedicated their immediate efforts to directly enter the second floor with ground ladders to conduct search and rescue. Their efforts were challenged by the fire located on the first floor directly below them.
As additional firefighters arrived on scene, they searched other portions of the building for occupants while others controlled and extinguished the fire. These efforts revealed that there were no other occupants in the 2-family dwelling and that the occupant found in the back yard upon arrival was the only one to sustain injuries, which occurred while he was attempting to escape the second floor apartment. This person was transported immediately to Holland Hospital by AMR for smoke inhalation and other injuries. Their condition is not known at this time.
Damage estimates to the structure are not available at this time however both apartments sustained significant fire and smoke damage. The cause of the fire is not known at this time and the department’s Fire Marshal will be initiating an investigation to determine this over the next few days.
During this incident the department received assistance from the Holland Police Department, the department’s Victims Services Unit and the Ottawa County Volunteers Canteen Services. The Holland Twp. and Park Twp. Fire Departments provided personnel and breathing air respectively. Station coverage during this incident was provided by the Hamilton and Graafschap Fire Departments. Units remained on scene until about 5:15 PM.
Preliminary information indicates that smoke alarms provided early warning of the fire in this home. We encourage everyone to make sure you have them in your home and test them on a regular basis. It is also important to keep doors and exits free of obstructions. These doors provide clear egress to you in case of a fire in your home and also aid firefighters in gaining access. Today firefighters were hindered by items placed in front of doors on the first floor of the building.
Remember functional smoke alarms and clear paths of egress help save lives. Do your part to promote positive outcomes should you have a fire.