This morning at 9:00 am, the Holland Department of Public Safety was dispatched to a report of a possible fire in a home located at 174 West 10th with one occupant unable to escape. Further dispatch information indicated that there was smoke beginning to fill the home and a tree had possibly fallen on it.
Upon arrival 9:05 am, the first unit from the Kollen Park Station identified that there was no evidence of fire from the exterior however found smoke filling the inside of the home. This initial crew immediately made entry to rescue the female occupant who was unable to escape due to a physical condition that prevented her from being able to do so on her own. As additional units and personnel began arriving, their efforts were focused on conducting a search for other occupants and locating and extinguishing the fire.
Once removed the occupant was placed in the care of AMR and transported to Holland Hospital evaluation. A male occupant was able to escape on his own without injury. Two Holland Police Officers on scene were instrumental in identifying where the female occupant was so that crews could quickly affect her safe removal from the home.
Subsequent to the arrival of additional firefighters the fire was located in the basement and quickly extinguished. Damage estimates are being confirmed however direct fire damage is confined to a limited area of the basement and the occupants should be able to return home within the week. As for the cause of the fire, it remains under investigation however initial findings suggest that damage to the home’s electrical service, caused by falling tree was a primary factor.
Other agencies involved with today’s successful outcome include the Holland Police Department, the HDPS Victims Services Unit and American Medical Response. The Hamilton Fire Department provide standby coverage and responded to subsequent incidents occurring in the City for the duration of this response to 174 West 10th.