FFD answers call for rooftop save, two-car crash at Weiss, Main streets
A two-vehicle crash, a mutual aid incident, a man stranded on a roof, and a couple fire alarms comprised the eight calls for service of the Frankenmuth Fire Department last week.
At 5:36pm Tuesday, August 26, Engine 2 and Truck 3 responded to the Bavarian Blast Water Park at the Bavarian inn Lodge for a general fire alarm.
FFD Lt. Eric MacKinnon said overcooked food in the kitchen created some smoke, triggering the alarm. The staff was able to mitigate the matter and both units cleared within 20 minutes, along with the 21 firefighters who responded to the call.
Later in the day, at 11:25pm, the FFD was requested to check the area of South Dehmel and Roedel roads in Frankenmuth Township for a smell of natural gas.
FFD Chief Phil Kerns advised that the odor was detected and Consumers Energy was contacted. FFD Captain Brandon Schmitzer reported a gas valve, which was damaged from a traffic crash several weeks ago, had a slow leak. Consumers confirmed the matter and made short-term repairs, with more permanent work scheduled.
Engine 2 traveled to the scene and cleared following 50 minutes of investigation. Eleven fire personnel reported for duty.
Alarms 128 and 129 all took place at 6:02pm Thursday, August 28, for a pair of fire alarms at the Frankenmuth Brewery, 425 South Main Street.
Engine 2 and Truck 3 responded, with MacKinnon noting the system had a malfunction and management was contacting the alarm company for a service call.
Eighteen firefighters cleared following 20 minutes at the scene, only to be called back minutes later for the same issue. The alarm was placed in supervisory mode, awaiting the service technician.
At 8:32am Saturday, August 30, the Bridgeport Fire Department summoned the FFD for mutual aid for a possible apartment fire in the 2800 block of Williamson Road, Bridgeport.
Buena Vista and Spaulding fire departments were also requested as an ambulance on scene reported smoke in an upper apartment. Prior to calling en route, the FFD, as the second alarm, was cancelled as the Bridgeport crews extinguished the small fire. A total of nine fire personnel responded and cleared after 50 minutes.
Alarm No. 131 took place at 5:17pm Sunday, August 31, as Frankenmuth Fire was requested to assist the Frankenmuth Police with a two-vehicle crash on South Main Street, just north of Weiss Street.
Squad 4, Engine 1, and Brush 7 assisted with traffic detours and ensuring the vehicles were secured, FFD Captain Doug VanWormer said. Nine firefighters reported and cleared in less than one hour.
Shortly after 3pm Monday, September 1, the FFD was dispatched to Kingsbrook Subdivision for a man on his roof, unable to get down.
Upon arrival with Truck 3 (aerial), crews encountered the man who had climbed up the steep slope while trying to perform some maintenance and realized he was slipping as he tried to leave the roof.
Kerns advised that the call to Saginaw County Central Dispatch 911 was a good choice.
“It was better to call for help than risk falling off a high roof,” Kerns noted.
Firefighters assisted him in exiting the roof’s edge with a roof ladder and cleared 20 minutes later. He was uninjured. A total of 13 fire personnel reported to the station.
Later that day, at 9:28pm, alarm No. 133 for 2025 was a fire alarm at another home in the Kingsbrook Subdivision. Engine 2 and Engine traveled to the scene to find out it was false. The trucks and 14 firefighters cleared within minutes.
In other FFD news, on Tuesday, August 26, 18 retired Frankenmuth firefighters joined nearly 30 active fire personnel at the Mike Young Family Estate to enjoy a cook-out and an evening of updates and sharing stories.
Last weekend, the FFD was saddened to learn of the passing of former Frankenmuth Township Treasurer and Frankenmuth City-Township Commission member Ron Bell.
“Ron was a true public servant, dedicated to his accounting duties, and a long-time supporter of the Frankenmuth Fire Department,” Kerns said. “Thank you, Barb and family, for supporting him during his service to the department.”
Kerns advised that Hemlock Semi Conductor has awarded a new firefighter training grant to the FFD for the forthcoming year. The $500 donation will defray the department’s local share of the cost to send one firefighter candidate to the Saginaw County Fire Chiefs Association’s Academy that begins in November and ends in April.
Money from the sale of fireworks throughout the state provide the county with other funds needed to underwrite the cost of the academy.
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