SPRING LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — An emergency evacuation order has been lifted in Ottawa County after an industrial fire broke out on Saturday.
Ottawa County Emergency Management says a fire broke out early Saturday afternoon at Linamar Manufacturing on Apple Drive.
This prompted an emergency evacuation order, out of an abundance of caution, for everyone within a half-mile radius, due to the potential for an explosion.
Ottawa County Director of Emergency Management Lou Hunt told FOX 17 around 6 p.m. Saturday that the industrial fire inside a manufacturing area had been contained, and the emergency evacuation order lifted.
Hunt added that, due to the nature of the fire, the explosion hazard was being monitored closely.
Spring Lake Fire Chief John Stalzer told FOX 17 on scene that Linamar Manufacturing is a foundry plant with an aluminum casting operation.
"They did have some leak in the product that they work with, which involves fire and their furnaces. And, out of [an] abundance of safety, consulting with a specialist at the factory, we did evacuate a half-mile radius for the protection of residents," Chief Stalzer explained. "At no time did product or fire ever leave the building or the actual area in concern."
Chief Stalzer says fire crews were working in a relatively small area — about 100-feet to 200-feet — but, because of the high-heat process, the introduction of water is a top concern.
“So, the one thing that we have to make sure we do in this case with a company like [this] is that the introduction of water is very critical as to whether or not we do it. So, in this case, the initial thing is not to introduce water, but there are processes that they use, along with our assistance, with dry ice and some diking material that doesn’t use any water product,” he said.
Chief Stalzer added that all staff members on the property at the time the fire broke out have been accounted for, and neither any employees nor responding firefighters were hurt.
Additionally, he says no chemicals were released that aren't normally released during the aluminum process.
Ottawa Co. Emergency Management told those needing to evacuate to go to Spring Lake Presbyterian Church on E. Savidge Street, but again, the evacuation order has been lifted, and residents can return to their homes.
Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube
