5/31/13 - Jackson highrise fire, 212 W. Michigan

At 2:21 PM on Friday, May 31, 2013, the Jackson Fire Department was dispatched to a smoke investigation for black smoke coming from the old Consumers Power building at 212 W. Michigan. This building is in the process of being dismantled. While units were responding, dispatch got more calls on this reporting a fire in the building with several workers trapped on floors above the fire, at this point the response was made into a full alarm with automatic aid dispatched from the Summit Township Fire Department. On arrival, Jackson Ladder 1 reported flames visible from the 3rd floor of an 8-10 story building, with people on the 4th and 5th floors. Immediate assistance was requested for aerial trucks to respond from Blackman-Leoni Public Safety and Spring Arbor Fire Department. Command also requested off duty callbacks of Jackson firefighters and mutual aid manpower from the Napoleon Township and Parma fire departments. The county air trailer was requested to respond from the Grass Lake Township Fire Department. Firefighters rescued 6 workers from floors above the fire using aerial ladders. Personnel had to use extra caution due to the demolition work underway. Interior crews reported the fire to actually be on the 4th floor, but they could begin knocking it down from the 3rd floor. Once the fire was knocked down, additional ventilation was performed and extensive overhaul was required. Firefighters were on the scene well into the evening. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries requiring transport to the hospital. The fire is believed to have been caused by sparks from a cutting torch entering a debris pile.