At 5:15 PM this evening the Holland Fire Department was dispatched to 311 West 17th for a fire in a residence. Upon arrival approximately 5 minutes later, arriving units investigated and found a working fire in the two family home. At this point firefighters commenced and interior search for potential occupants and also located and extinguished a fire that originated in the kitchen area.
The results of the search revealed that there were no occupants in either of the two tenant spaces and no injuries were reported. The department's Fire Marshal is initiating an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Initial indications are that the fire originated in the area of the stove top of the first floor apartment. It is reported that smoke alarms did activate.
Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 7:00 PM to complete overhaul of the fire area, evacuate smoke from the structure and coordinate care and support of the occupants with the HDPS Victim Services Unit and American Red Cross. Additional assistance this evening was provided by the Holland Police Department, and American Medical Response.
The department encourages all community members to make sure they have smoke alarms in each bedroom and on all floors of their home. Having smoke alarms and testing them on a monthly basis can drastically improve the ability to survive and escape a potential fire.