3/26/11 - Blackman Twp factory fire, 2400 E. Ganson

At 9:58 PM on Saturday, March 26, 2011, the Blackman-Leoni Twp Public Safety Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the former Sparton Corporation facility at 2400 E. Ganson. Automatic mutual aid was dispatched from the Jackson Fire Department and Summit Township Fire Department. First arriving units had heavy fire coming from the back of the 300,000 sq foot factory building of heavy timber construction. Firefighters report portions of the structure already collapsing shortly after arrival. This facility was closed in 2009 and has been vacant since, efforts have been underway to scrap salvageable materials out of the complex which was scheduled for demolition this spring. This weighed into command's decision to just surround this fire and protect exposures. Fire brands and tall flames were initial concerns until the roof of two and three story heavy timber structure started collapsing. Additional mutual aid was requested from Henrietta Township and Spring Arbor Fire Departments to protect occupied structures close to the fire. These departments were on the scene long into the morning of March 27th operating this exterior attack. No other buildings became involved. Since the building had no electrical or gas service, and officers found unsecured doors in the area of origin, this fire cause is considered suspicious at this time.