Alpena Fire Department was requested around 11:59 for a home filling with smoke in an upstairs apartment located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Spratat Street.

According to a press release from the fire brigade, the tenant upstairs opened three windows to clear the smoke, which allowed fresh air in, which caused the fire to spread. The tenant was outside and stated that she thought the fire was starting behind her kitchen stove and was an electric fire. The tenant from the apartment on the ground floor needed help from her home when she returned to the apartment and locked her door, which required the crews to force entry.

“It delayed the second crew from attacking the fire, but life security always comes first,” said Alpena Fire Chief Rob Edmonds.

When firefighters entered the building in an attempt to extinguish the fire, the fire was so severe that the destabilized structure and forced firefighters to evacuate the building and fight the fire outdoors.

News photo by Reagan Voetberg An Alpena Fire Department truck is parked next to a house fire on Tuesday afternoon.

At the site, a high siren to inform firefighters inside to get out immediately, and soon afterwards left the firefighters and their gear the home, and a liability check was made to ensure that everyone on the crew was reported.

After leaving the structure, the firefighters used hoses from the ground and from the water cannon attached to the basket of the department’s air car to attack the flames, when large flames broke out from the side of the structure.

When it was determined, the fire was under control, crews gently returned the structure to start reviewing both the apartments for the first and second story. The home got heavy fire, smoke and water damage, says the press release.

A total of 26 staff were involved in the incident: eight on service, 11 outside service, five aids, vice manager and fire chief.

The crews stayed on stage for about six hours.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz A couple of firefighters from the Alpena Fire Department drives a fire hose while fighting a structural fire on Tuesday.

A firefighter was transported to Mymichigan Medical Center Alpena as a precaution for the treatment of a medical issue.

The fire remains during the investigation of the cause and origin.

The fire department was assisted by the Alpena Police Department, Alpena County Sheriff’s Office, Alpena Department of Public Works and Alpena County Central Dispatch. The Alpena Power Company employees were in place to disconnect the power at and near the home and DTE Energy was also there to deal with any tool gas problems.

Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center Fire Department was requested for a rapid intervention team for the firefighter’s safety while internal operations were ongoing. Mymichigan Emergency Medical Services was placed in mutual relief conditions to handle EMS needs within the city and the county while fire ground operations were ongoing.

The Alpena Township Fire Department was also placed in emergency standby in the event that an extra fire occurred within city limits during the operation.

News photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Fire Department Crews Battle A Two-Story Structure Fire on Spratat Street and 2nd Avenue in Alpena.

Proponents for Alpena victims were asked to help with the displaced tenants’ housing and personal needs.

Alpena Salvation Army Canteen helped with the hydration requirement at the fire staff on the stage.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or [email protected]. Follow him on x @ss_alpenanews.com.