BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Battle Creek Fire Department, the Battle Creek Police Department, and LifeCare Ambulance jointly responded to a residential structure fire on Capital Avenue NE, Saturday, July 12.
The BCFD’s Car 3 arrived within four minutes of the initial call, shortly before 4:30 a.m., to find fire coming from the front porch of the two-story home, and quickly extending into the second floor and eaves of the home. Rescue 2 stretched a hose line to extinguish the main body of fire on the front porch, while Engine 3 assisted them with hose line placement and searching for occupants on the first floor. Engine 1 proceeded to the second floor to search for occupants and check for fire extension. Engine 4, Engine 5, and Rescue 6 assisted with support functions.
The BCFD, with assistance from the BCPD, confirmed that all occupants were out upon arrival. The only injuries were to two cats that unfortunately were unable to make it out of the second floor. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. Investigators believe that the fire started outside on the front porch. The BCFD Fire Marshal's office is currently investigating the cause.
Incident No. 5233
Type of emergency: Structure fire
Occupied? Yes
Probable cause: Under investigation
Address: 630 Capital Ave. NE
Property Owner: Ahmed Khalil
Structure type: Residential
Construction type: Wood frame
Estimated property damage: $50,000
Estimated contents damage: 10,000
Location/extent of damage: First-floor outside porch, and second-floor interior and attic