Authorities are asking for citizens’ help in solving a suspected arson Monday afternoon at the former United Fixtures Warehouse, 901 Howard St., Niles.
According to Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb, a call was received at about 3:30 p.m. that smoke was seen coming from the building, located across from the former Simplicity Pattern Co.
When firefighters arrived, they discovered a large pallet-like box in a dock area had been started on fire, which could possibly spread to the main building. Metal parts were separated from wood during the fire — evidence of a “scrapper” who may have been seeking metal parts to sell.
Mutual aid was called to assist in fighting the fire because it could have spread into the main building, and also because large industrial structure fires pose a health risk to the community. Niles Township, Howard Township and Clay Fire Territory firefighters helped battle the fire before it spread to the rest of the building. The dock area sustained damage.
“They aren’t going to really have to rip down the dock area,” Lamb said.
This is not the first case of suspected arson in the building. Other small fires have been reported.
Lamb said the fire Monday and previous fires may have been caused by scrappers, but neighborhood kids could be the culprits as well.
“I can’t rule out it was scrapper and I can’t rule out it was a kid,” he said.
Authorities have been working with National Standard Co., which owns the building, to secure the property from further vandalism and fire.
“They’ve developed some strategic plans in terms of getting the property secured,” Lamb said.
The chief explained that firefighters encountered access issues to the property Monday, which means the building is better secured than before against vandals.
“We have some access issues, which is good,” Lamb said. “The guys had to have apparatus to cut locks to get in. We were able to keep the damage very low.”
Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service also responded to the scene.
Anyone with information about the fire or who witnesses suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact the Niles Fire Department or Niles Police Department.