Fire breaks out in rescue truck inside fire department

CONSTANTINE, Mich. -- A fire destroyed a rescue truck at the Constantine Fire Department Friday afternoon, according to the department.

A firefighter was doing monthly maintenance on one of the rescue trucks Friday afternoon. After finishing, the truck was parked in the main apparatus bay in the station.

The firefighter went to complete other duties in another area of the department.

A firefighter heard something in the apparatus bay and when he entered the bay, he found smoke and fire coming from the rescue truck.

The firefighter notified dispatch and Fabius Park Fire and White Pigeon Fire were asked to assist.

The fire was quickly extinguished with the help of other fire personnel who arrived.

Reports say the rescue truck was a total loss.

Firefighters say the other apparatus sustained smoke damage and the building sustained some smoke and heat damage inside the bay. No major damage was reported.

The cause of the fire is not known, but is believed to be an electrical or mechanical failure in the engine compartment.

Firefighters are working to clean up the building and equipment, but they are continuing to respond to calls for service.

Constantine Fire thanked everyone for their outpouring of concern and assistance from both the community and neighboring fire departments.

Assisting at the scene were Fabius-Park FD, White Pigeon FD, Constantine Police Dept. and Broker’s Towing and Recovery.

No injuries were reported.