SOUTH HAVEN, Michigan â Power was reportedly restored late Friday after a large fire at East Jordan Plastics forced a widespread electrical shutdown in South Haven, sent thick black smoke across the area and canceled the high schoolâs homecoming events.
The fire began shortly before 4 p.m. on September 25 at the facility on Stieve Drive. South Haven Area Emergency Services said crews had contained the blaze by about 6:30 p.m., although it was still burning at the time of that update. No injuries were reported, and everyone inside the facility evacuated safely.
Fire spread into the building
South Haven Fire Chief Brandon Hinz told ABC57 that the fire started outside before spreading into the plastics manufacturing building. A propane explosion occurred during the incident.
Collapsed parts of the structure made it unsafe for firefighters to move far inside. âThis is going to be external and exterior firefighting,â Hinz said. Departments from across the region joined the response, with smoke visible miles from the plant.
The city shut off electrical equipment near the facility to protect emergency crews and critical infrastructure. In a statement carried by WSJM, officials identified a city utility substation and an AEP transmission feed close to the fire. Electrical staff found some damage to poles and smaller service connections but reported little damage to the main circuits or substation.
The shutdown caused widespread outages. Power was reportedly restored around 10:30 p.m. Friday, several hours after the fire began.
Smoke concerns and homecoming cancellation
South Haven police advised people near the fire to close their windows and remain indoors because of the smoke, according to ABC57âs report. The city said the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had been notified. Officials had not released air-quality test results in the latest reports reviewed.
South Haven Public Schools canceled Fridayâs homecoming parade and football game. âThe safety of all our students and community members is always of utmost priority,â the district said in a statement reported by WWMT. The football game was subsequently rescheduled for noon Saturday in Watervliet, according to WSJM.
Fire officials had not announced the cause of the blaze or the full extent of damage to the plant. The latest reported status said the fire was contained but had not yet been fully extinguished.
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