Photos: Mich. FFs battle 2-alarm bar, apartment fire

The first arriving Grand Rapids firefighters faced heavy fire conditions in an apartment above the Web Bar

January 04, 2024 08:28 AM

Grand Rapids firefighters faced heavy fire conditions at a two-story mixed-occupancy structure.

By Ryan Boldrey
mlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids firefighters responded to a fire above the Web Bar at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Firefighters arrived at the two-story building, at 644 Richmond St. NW, where crews saw heavy smoke coming from the second floor, a Facebook post by Grand Rapids Professional Firefighters Local 366 states.

Crews entering the building encountered heavy fire conditions and Command requested a second alarm.

One firefighter was transported by paramedics to a local hospital with minor burn injuries, the post states.

All residents were able to safely evacuate the upstairs and all bar patrons in the first-floor business also made it out safely, firefighters said. The fire was reported to be out by 5:20 p.m.

Crews were later seen boarding up broken-out windows by an MLive reporter on the scene at around 6:45. Crews also worked to patch holes that had been cut in the roof for ventilation during the blaze.

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Grand Rapids Fire Department respond to the scene of a fire at The Web Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. The Web Bar is located at 644 Richmond St NW.

Joel Bissell/TNS

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Grand Rapids Fire Department respond to the scene of a fire at The Web Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. The Web Bar is located at 644 Richmond St NW.

Joel Bissell/TNS

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Grand Rapids Fire Department respond to the scene of a fire at The Web Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. The Web Bar is located at 644 Richmond St NW.

Joel Bissell/TNS

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Grand Rapids Fire Department respond to the scene of a fire at The Web Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. The Web Bar is located at 644 Richmond St NW.

Joel Bissell/TNS

The majority of the damage appeared to be on the roof.

Grand Rapids Fire Capt. William Smith told MLive/Grand Rapids Press Wednesday afternoon that the second floor of the building incurred heavy fire and smoke damage. Smith said the investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to continue over the next few days and that fire investigators remain at the scene.