Martin Firefighters Extinguish Structure Fire, Arson Suspected

BY DAVID FISHER

david@dresdenenterprise.com

MARTIN (July 10) — Martin Fire Department extinguished a structure fire on Friday involving a storage building facility.

According to Martin Fire Chief Jamie Summers, at approximately 7:36 a.m., a total of 10 Martin firefighters were dispatched to a fire reported at a storage unit at OK Storage, located at 785 Travis Rd., Martin. The business is owned by OK Smith.

Mutual aid was requested from Dresden Fire Department, which provided two personnel.

While en route, firefighters were advised the building was engulfed in flames, and smoke could be seen prior to their arrival. An all-call was requested for crew members to report to the scene.

Upon arrival, flames and smoke were observed coming from the back right of a wood-frame, metal-sided mini storage unit.

The heaviest fire appeared to be emanating from unit #10, where a washing machine was burning just inside the doorway.

The doors on units 10 and 11 were knocked in to gain access to the fire. Doors on a few other units were also forced open and a lock on one of the units was cut to obtain access.

The blaze was quickly extinguished throughout the structure.

The fire was under control at 8:30 a.m. and the firefighters cleared the scene by 9:21 a.m., according to the MFD report.

The building had no electrical service.

TBI arson investigators were notified due to suspicion of arson. The investigation is still ongoing and being conducted by Special Agent John Chew of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Martin Police Investigations Division is also assisting in the investigation.