PARCHMENT, Mich. - Two fires broke out at an abandoned paper mill in Parchment Monday.
Multiple fires occurred at the old Crown Vantage Paper Mill, which is located west of Riverview Drive near Parchment Middle School. Crews said that the first fire broke around noon, with the second one popping up around 2:20 p.m.
The Parchment Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire, but at this point they're treating it as suspicious.
A Facebook user said the smoke from the burning building filled nearby streets and produced a strong smell.
Soon after the fire was put out, FOX 17 spoke with Pauline Pippin, a resident of Parchment for 45 years. She tells us this isn't the first time the mill went up in flames. It shut down in 2000 and has been abandoned ever since.
"I remember when it was business," Pippin said. "It was really pleasant to come by here see it there, but now all you see is an abandoned building and it doesn't look too nice."
In addition to being an eyesore, Pippin says that the abandoned building also presents safety hazards. According to a report FOX 17 did back in 2013, Parchment city officials have been working to tear the place down. Flash forward three years, and it seems like there's still work to be done.
FOX 17 attempted to contact the Parchment city manager Monday evening but have not heard back yet.
"Me and my husband was wondering today if someone is living there. There could be a homeless person trying to shelter there, could be drugs, you never know," Pippin said. "I wish they could put something there that would make the town look better."
Investigators said no one was hurt.
