FFD responds to pair of vehicle fires, mutual aid woods blaze

  Two vehicle fires and an mutual aid alarm were all part of the Frankenmuth Fire Department’s calls for service last week.

  Shortly before 1pm on Wednesday, March 8, the FFD was activated for a possible vehicle fire on West Genesee Street, near the Main Street intersection.

  FFD Crew Leader Ethan Crichton reported that a mechanical issue was the most likely cause and that there was no fire. Engine 2 waited for Reinert & Bender Auto Repair and Towing to arrive and remove the vehicle from the street.

  The FFD cleared before 1:30pm, along with the dozen fire personnel who reported to the station.

  Also on March 8, around 2:30pm, Birch Run Fire Department requested assistance with a woods fire in the 8700 block of South Block Road. The BRFD was also assisting Clio Area Fire Department at the same time with a house fire, necessitating the FFD’s help.

  Frankenmuth firefighters arrived and cleared 10 minutes later when Birch Run’s on-scene crew had the fire under control. A total of 10 fire personnel reported for duty.

  Shortly before 3:30pm Thursday, March 9, the front grill area of a parked Frankenmuth DPW van was seen on fire as a city employee was leaving the Frankenmuth City & Township Government Center, 240 West Genesee Street.

  City employee Patti Cook went back inside the building and alerted the office staff and FFD Fire Chief Phil Kerns. The staff called Saginaw County Central Dispatch 911 and Kerns, DPW electrician Jesse Robinson and another person were able to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher until Engine 2 made a short drive to further cool the engine compartment.

  Kerns said he is hopeful the vehicle can be repaired as the fire extinguishers were able to safely stop the spread of the flames from going into the engine and interior of this Dodge 2019 van.

  “The van had not been running and had no known mechanical issues prior to the fire,” Kerns said.

  Ten firefighters reported and cleared the scene 30 minutes later.

  In other FFD news, Lt. Eric MacKinnon met with Troop 3255 Tiger Scouts last Thursday evening at the fire station for a tour and earn a badge for their work. Last night, firefighters met at the station for their mid-month training.

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