PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Portage Department of Public Safety – Fire Division responded to two separate fires that were caused by improper disposal of used fireworks within a hour-and-a-half span of time over the course of Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4.
Firefighters were called to the 7100 block of Winter Forest Drive for a garage fire at 11:36 p.m. Tuesday, July 3. According to Public Safety officials, the fire started in a trash receptacle that was outside, but up next to the garage. The fire extended into the garage before firefighters were able to extinguish the fire.
Two occupants of the home were taken to a local hospital with minor smoke inhalation injuries. The cause of that fire was determined to be discarded fireworks that had not properly been cooled off.
The damage to the garage and a vehicle was estimated to be approximately $125,000.
On Tuesday, July 4, at 12:57 a.m. crews responded to the 6800 block of Joshua Tree Court for a reported garage fire. Upon arrival, the fire inside the garage was quickly extinguished but not before causing damage to the interior of the garage and the vehicles and contents within.
No one was injured in this incident. The cause of the fire was determined to be discarded fireworks that had not been properly cooled before placing them in the trash receptacle.
The damage to the garage and the vehicles inside is estimated to be approximately $60,000.
The Oshtemo Fire Department assisted on scene while the Texas and Comstock Township Fire Departments back-filled Portage Stations during both incidents to handle other calls for service.
