OLIVE TOWNSHIP (WHTC) – An investigator from the state Fire Marshal’s Office is expected in Olive Township Thursday morning to begin combing through the wreckage left behind by a devastating fire that destroyed two businesses. The fire at the industrial building on Barry Street, just west of U.S. 31, broke out about 5 a.m. Wednesday and continued well into the evening.
Olive Township Fire Chief Duane Wolters says the blaze began inside Trin Polymers, in the southwest corner of the building. An official cause has not been determined. Wolters says both the sprinkler system inside the building and private hydrants were down for maintenance. Trin Polymers and Holland Pallet, two of the businesses inside the building, were destroyed, while a third business, Magnum Equipment, escaped the brunt of the damage.
Three firefighters, two from Olive Township and one from the city of Zeeland, were treated for smoke inhalation. Firefighters left the scene about 4 p.m., but Olive Township crews came back about 7:30 p.m. when flames continued to shoot out of the building.
(story and photo by Greg Chandler)
