2/26/21 - Williamston commercial structure fire, 967 Norris Rd

Shortly before 5 PM on Friday, February 26, 2021, NIESA stations 61 & 62 were dispatched, along with the Meridian Twp Fire Department on automatic aid, to a report of a warehouse fire at 967 Norris Rd. A large plume of black smoke was visible from a distance, so command started calling for mutual aid tankers and manpower while still en route. The first command unit on scene found a large commercial pole barn structure almost completely involved. The structure housed offices on the "D" side of the building, but the remainder of the warehouse building stored vehicles, equipment, and supplies for a chimney sweep and landscape company. Firefighters had no choice but to take a defensive position as they started attacking the fire. Additional mutual aid tankers were requested for water supply. Due to the size of the structure, two separate sites were set up for tankers to dump into. Engine 61 and Ladder 61 were operating to the north of the fire structure, with Engine 62 operating to the south. There were no injuries during the long battle to knock down the flames. Excavation equipment was called in to assist with making the property safe and making sure the fire was out. After the initial alarm, additional mutual aid responded from Dansville, Mason, LSW (Laingsburg), Perry, Fowlerville, and SAESA (Stockbridge).