This ruling is supported in part by some videotape obtained from a bystander who showed up to watch the fire. 24 Hour News 8 has been told there is something on the videotape that supports the investigators suspicions. Investigators say they will be conducting interviews with some people in an effort to figure out exactly what happened.
The fire began just after midnight Tuesday morning at the facility located in the 100 block of East Main Street. Crews from eight area fire departments were finally able to knock down the blaze two hours later. There were no injuries. The fire did extensive damage to the facility, but not to surrounding buildings.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, there weren't any hydrants to hook up their hoses. The company is located in what is known as the Old Village of Caledonia and has never had a public water system. Residents there rely on wells. According to the fire chief, that did slow battling the fire initially. But once the tankers with thousands of gallons of water showed up, firefighters were able to contain the blaze.
Next month, a new sewer and water line is going to be installed in the Old Village. This project is only the beginning of an upgrade that will eventually bring fire hydrants to the area where there currently aren't any.
There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the culprits. If you have any information, you are asked to call either the Kent County Sheriff's Department at (616) 632-6125 or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-44-ARSON.
