Ballast Smoke Prompts Evacuation in Mich.

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Nov. 22--ST. JOSEPH -- Caretel Inns of Lakeland activated the facility's in-house evacuation plan Monday when heavy smoke from an overheated electrical ballast caused heavy smoke in an office area, Royalton Township Fire Chief Ron Koebel said.

Koebel said the initial call from the facility at 3905 Lorraine Path indicated a possible fire at the 100-plus-bed assisted living and skilled care facility, so Koebel called for St. Joseph Township, Lincoln Township and Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Fire Departments to stand by for a possible assist.

It happened shortly after noon Monday. Smoke from the overheated ballast caused the activated fire alarm at Caretel, the chief said.

Koebel said that when firefighters arrived, there was heavy smoke in an office area but there was no fire. He said the facility is equipped with fire doors that prevent fire from spreading from one area to another, so about 25 residents had been evacuated into safe areas as a precaution in accordance with the facility's emergency plan.

Koebel said state police, the Berrien County Sheriff's Department and Medic 1 also responded to the call.

Emergency crews cleared the scene around 1:30 p.m. after clearing the smoke and making sure there was no fire, Koebel said.