Blown Transformer, Downed Power Line Spark Fire At Warren Party Store
WARREN (WWJ) - Authorities say a blown transformer and downed power line are likely to blame for a fire at a party store in Warren.
The fire took off early Thursday morning at Joe's General Store on Hoover Road just north of 9 Mile Road.
Fire crews quickly arrived on the scene and were able to prevent the flames from spreading to a nearby apartment building, where James Ingram lives.
"The cops were just knocking on the front door, just saying 'Fire! Fire!' So, I woke up and I was just scrambling all over the place because I didn't know what was going on," Ingram told WWJ's Mike Campbell.
All occupants made it out uninjured, but that's when Ingram realized he left something very important behind.
"I had to go back in there and grab my cats from under the bed, and so that was," Ingram said laughing, "they were just not listening. But I managed to get them out and put them in my car so hopefully they're not tearing it up too bad."
The fire was quickly extinguished and the damage appears to be minimal. Bill Hio, who has owned the store with his brother Rock for about five years, said he's just happy no one was injured.
"Actually, it's a downed wire so it was caused, it's an act of God is what it is," he said.