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Fire officials say heating light caused fire

Monday, December 04, 2006

FROM LOCAL REPORTS

A halogen light being used in a crawl space to keep plumbing from freezing was the cause of an early morning fire that severely damaged a Spring Lake Township home.

The fire, first reported at 1:41 a.m., caused $60,000 damage to the home at 18342 168th. The home, owned by John Cleveland, who lives in a separate dwelling on the property, was not occupied at the time of the fire. According to Spring Lake Township Fire Lt. Matthew Pohl, the first floor bathroom was completely on fire when units arrived at the scene. The fire was brought under control and units remained at the scene until 5 a.m. checking for fire throughout the structure.

Assisting at the scene were fire departments from Ferrysburg and Crockery Township, paramedics from North Ottawa Community Hospital and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department.

Because the fire was caused by improper use of a halogen light, the fire department is recommending homeowners use specially-designed heat tape or other approved items to keep pipes from freezing.

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