Nov. 1, 2022 - BALCONY FIRE AT APARTMENT BUILDING CONTAINED TO EXTERIOR
No Injuries
At approximately 9:45AM, Tuesday, November 1, 2022, the Grand Chute Fire Department was dispatched to the Tri-Park Villas Apartments for a report of fire on a second floor balcony. The Appleton and Fox Crossing Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene at the same time per the departments’ automatic aid agreements.
The first crew to arrive found fire on the second floor balcony of one apartment. The crew’s fast action applying water to the balcony and surrounding exterior kept the fire contained to the outside of the building. Additional crews went inside the apartment to verify that fire had not spread into the apartments or the attic space above.
A resident activated the building’s fire alarm using a pull station, which alerted other residents of the fire. Everyone evacuated the building safely with the assistance of the Grand Chute Police Department and verification by the Appleton Fire Department crew. The two residents of the apartment where the balcony fire began will be displaced for a short time while interior water and smoke damage are mitigated. They are being assisted by the property management team and their insurance company. No other residents are displaced, and no civilians or firefighters were injured during the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Grand Chute Fire Department but is not considered to be suspicious. Exterior damage to the area was estimated to be approximately $70,000.
The Grand Chute Fire Department wants to remind everyone that improper disposal of smoking materials is a common cause of fires at apartment buildings, and that exterior fires like the one that occurred at this building are dangerous because of the ways that they can extend into attic and other open spaces before they are detected by smoke detectors. Dirt in pots is not suitable for putting out cigarettes because the organic matter in dirt and plastics support extended smoldering. Please use water, sand, and other inorganic materials in metal containers to extinguish smoking materials.
Apartment residents are also encouraged to have renter’s insurance to avoid costly and difficult situations when something like this occurs. Renter’s insurance is readily available and inexpensive.
CONTACT: Assistant Chief Kelly Hanink (920) 832-6050 |
