A business fire in Sparta Tuesday night prompted the response of seven fire departments and multiple emergency agencies. The incident occurred on Maple Street near E. Averill Street around 9:48 p.m. Reports of smoke and flames coming from a building led to the immediate evacuation of the premises.
Upon arrival, Sparta, Alpine Township, and Kent City Fire Departments observed heavy smoke and flames emanating from the roof. Due to the size of the building, crews from Algoma, Walker, and Rockford Fire Departments were also mobilized to the scene to assist in containing the fire.
The Sparta Fire Department (SFD) determined that the fire originated in a mixing room, resulting in a foul odor and caustic smoke that caused minor eye and breathing irritation. This prompted a response from Kent County Emergency Management and the Grand Rapids Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team to address the situation. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished quickly, and the smoke dissipated shortly after. Fortunately, the materials were contained within the room and did not escape into storm drains.
The company operating out of the building is aiding investigators in determining the cause of the fire. As of the latest update, there were no reported injuries as a result of the incident. Follow FOX 17 on social media for more updates.