A faulty HVAC unit was blamed for an apartment fire that displaced three people on Monday, Dec. 2, Fire Marshal Dan Shook said.
Bay City Police Department, Bay City Volunteer Fire Department, and the Bay City Fire Marshal were dispatched to the apartment fire at 5001 Ave F #602, at about 6:29 a.m. Dec.2.
The fire was brought under control within about 15 minutes, but crews remained on scene to evacuate the smoke from the apartment, Shook reported.
The tenant and two grandchildren left the apartment before the fire department’s arrival, escaping any injury.
See Fire, Page 2
The fire was confined to one room in the house, but smoke damage was throughout the apartment, Shook noted.
A preliminary investigation determined the fire was caused by a faulty HVAC unit, the fire marshal said.
The fire caused about $20,000 in damage.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family.
The fire marshal reminds all residents to have their heating and air conditioning units serviced annually to identify any problems that may cause a fire.
It is also important to regularly, about once a month, replace the filter for the HVAC unit.
If you live at rental property, contact your landlord to ensure the units are serviced by a qualified technician.
