No injuries were reported from a fire in Lapeer yesterday, following a mechanical issue on a gallery’s roof.
Lapeer City Fire & Rescue responded to a fire Wednesday morning at Gallery 194, located in downtown Lapeer. A call was received shortly before 9:20 a.m., reporting heavy black smoke coming from the building’s roof. Upon arrival about one minute later, crews observed white smoke from the roof, determining that the fire’s source was on the roof, where a mechanical contractor had been working.
The contractor had successfully used a dry chemical extinguisher to knock down the flames before the arrival of firefighters. Fire crews extinguished the remaining smoldering areas of the roof, including portions of the rubber membrane and tar, and ensured the fire did not spread further. The fire was contained to the roof, causing minor damage to electrical components and the exterior of the rooftop HVAC unit (RTU).
The interior of the Gallery had light smoke haze and odor on the first floor, but no other parts of the building or adjacent Pix Theater were affected. Lapeer Fire & Rescue isolated the power to the building as a precaution, and building representatives were advised that a licensed electrician must inspect the electrical system before restoring power. No injuries were reported.
A mechanical issue involving electrical arcing is believed to have caused the fire. The incident remains under investigation.
Lapeer Fire & Rescue extends its gratitude to the Elba Twp. Fire Dept. for their automatic mutual aid response. They also appreciate the assistance from the City of Lapeer Police Department, the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and Lapeer County Central Dispatch.
