12/18/11 - Lansing commercial building fire, 1020 S. Washington

The Lansing Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial structure fire at 1020 S. Washington on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 6:46 AM. This building is occupied by the St Vincent DePaul Thrift Store, and is located between 2 closed fire stations. Formerly third due Engine 41 was first in, reporting heavy fire showing from the "B" side of the structure. Engine 49 provided a water supply as an initial 2-1/2" attack line was put into play. Truck 41 set up in the "B" side parking lot with Truck 49 initially setting up on the "A" side. An exterior attack was established due to the heavy fire load, the progress of the fire and the building construction and layout including racks of merchandise, household furniture and appliances which made access difficult. Command requested additional companies for manpower to the scene and callback crews were brought in for relief and station manning. For a period of time, all frontline apparatus in the city were operating at this blaze. A rehab area was established using a CATA transit bus and Box 23 volunteers. Firefighters battled this blaze for several hours before it was brought under control, and crews were on the scene for most of the day. Part of the building was demolished later in the day to make it safe and allow for extinguishment.