Today at 7:18 PM the Holland Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the garage at 727 Crestview Street. Upon arrival the first unit reported a working fire in a two story single family residence. As additional units and firefighters arrived on scene they made entry to the residence which was heavily charged with heat and smoke to search for occupants and locate the source of the fire. All occupants were safe and not home at the time of the fire. Shortly after arrival the fire was located on the first floor and was extending into the second floor. Firefighters brought the fire under control quicky and remained on scene to complete extinguishment.
The home sustained significant smoke and heat damage throughout however no other structures in close vicinity of the home sustained any damage. The value of the loss has not yet been determined nor has the cause. The department’s Fire Marshal will be initiating an origin and cause investigation to determine the factors and cause of todays fire. There were no injuries to firefighters. On a somber note however, the family pets in the home at the time of the fire did not survive. The pets include 3 cats, 2 dogs and 2 rabbits. Resuscitation efforts were attempted on some of the pets however these were not successful.
The Holland Police Department responded with the fire department and provided assistance throughout the duration of the incident. The Park Twp. responded on the first alarm through an automatic aid agreement and provided personnel, an engine and breathing air for refilling air bottles. Further assistance and support was provided by the Holland Department of Public Safety’s, Victim Services Unit and American Medical Response.
The department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to test there smoke alarms monthly and replace units that are more than 10 years old.