Crime & Safety

Discarded Cigarettes Likely to Blame for New Baltimore Building Fire

New Baltimore fire officials said Tuesday the incident at the former Sound Waves building is still under investigation.

A minor fire at a vacant building in downtown New Baltimore was likely caused by discarded cigarettes, according to .

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At 12:26 p.m. Sunday, someone reported that smoke was coming from the former Soundwaves business at the corner of Washington and Green streets in the historic district. Since the buildings are in close proximity to each other, a second-alarm was pulled, New Baltimore Deputy Fire Chief Brian Bilinski said Tuesday.

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Once at the scene, crews discovered smoke and worked the scene to ensure the building was safe. There was no major damage, Bilinski said.

Upon inspection, several discarded cigarette butts were found outside the building.

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“It looks like there was a collection of used smoking materials," he said. "For some reason, that seems to be a smoking spot."

The dry, hot weather combined with still-lit cigarettes is likely the culprit, he said, emphasizing the importance of properly extinguishing smoking materials to prevent fires.

New Baltimore firefighters are continuing to investigate the incident. Soundwaves had previously vacated the blue building in the city and relocated to Hall Road in Clinton Township.


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