COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater Fire Department used ladders to rescue two people from upper story windows as heavy dark smoke poured out of the Elmwood Apartments at the corner of Clay and Taylor Streets Saturday morning.
Coldwater Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz says it appeared the fire started in the lower level of the building.
At one point there were large flames and very thick smoke until firefighters got it under control approximately 40 minutes after they arrived. The building has 23 apartments and the fire was contained to the storage/laundry room on the first floor of the building.
Firefighters arrived just before 11:00 a.m. Schmaltz says Coldwater firefighters got a lot of help from other nearby fire departments.
Mutual aid was called in from the Union City, Quincy, Bronson, and Lakeland fire departments.
As of early afternoon utilities remained shut off at the building with all residents evacuated.
One resident was taken to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Otherwise there were no other human injuries. An apartment resident said they lost their two animals due to smoke inhalation.
That was just a battery operated impact drill. Now think about a world with battery packed cars and trucks in your garage. Better hire some more firefighters.