Fire at Encampment

Date: January 30, 2021
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesR@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

At approximately 12:59 a.m. on January 30, 2021, a KDPS Officer was near Blaine St. and O Neil St. investigating a criminal complaint when he observed a large fire. The fire appeared to be out of control and near multiple tents. The Officer requested a full fire response. KCCDA also received calls advising that there was an out of control fire at the encampment. The Officer rushed to contact the residents and evacuate the tents. During this time there was one probable propane tank explosion.
Within one-minute, Fire apparatuses and additional Officers arrived on scene to assist with the evacuation of residents. The fire was brought under control within ten minutes. One person reported minor injuries and they were treated and released by a local ambulance service.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.
Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100
By authority of: Sgt. John Resseguie

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