Incident number: 240952
Type of emergency: Structure fire
Incident date: 4/29/2024
Incident time: 4:06 p.m.
Address/location: 12400 Sonoma Road
Occupied? Yes
Owner: Zack Myers
Probable cause, if known: Shortage in AC electrical feed
Structure type: Residential structure
Construction type: Wood-framed
Estimated property damage: $24,580
Estimated contents damage: $5,161.95
Location/extent of damage: Back porch/laundry room
Hazardous materials involved?: NA
Specialized rescues?: NA
Vehicles involved: NA
Injuries
None
Fatalities
None
Other information: The Battle Creek Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 12400 Sonoma Road at approximately 4 p.m. Rescue 6 arrived to find smoke coming from the rear of the structure, in the laundry room area.
A small fire had started due to a small rodent getting inside the wall to store walnuts. The animal appears to have chewed through the AC electrical feed, which arced, igniting the material in the wall.
Car 3 assumed command and Engine 4 and Truck 1 assisted with Rescue 6. Rescue 2 and Engine 3 searched for fire extension and aided in ventilation.
The homeowner discovered the problem quickly and was able to exit the structure safely and call for help. The fire was contained in that room, with minimal smoke damage to the rest of the house.