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A fire that broke out at the DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center in Walker, Michigan could potentially affect the operations of a local non-profit, Santa Claus Girls, who provide Christmas gifts for families in need. The fire, which started around 9 p.m., was located primarily in the walls behind the electrical panels, leading to concerns about potential smoke damage to the stored gifts. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the Santa Claus Girls are awaiting word on whether their stored gifts can be salvaged.
DeltaPlex Fire Affects Local Nonprofit Christmas Initiative
A fire at the former DeltaPlex Arena on Friday night could impact a Kent County nonprofit’s Christmas initiative. The fire was reported at 9 p.m., with crews called upon seeing smoke in the building, according to Walker Fire Chief David Pelton.
“We located the fire and extinguished it, but much of the fire was behind the western wall’s electrical panels. It took us until 4:30 a.m. to finally extinguish it,” explained Pelton.
The facility is home to Santa Claus Girls, a local nonprofit that provides holiday gifts to needy families. Two weeks before their delivery date, they are uncertain whether the fire’s smoke has damaged this year’s gifts.
Mary Bartling from Santa Claus Girls expressed concern over the potential loss of all their merchandise. After losing their previous building in 2020, they secured a five-year lease with the DeltaPlex in 2021.
The organization has around 7,500 children registered for Christmas gifts this year. “Everything we have for Kent County’s children is here,” said Bartling.
The next two days will determine if the presents can be salvaged. ServePro is currently deodorizing the building. Rick Bartling, a member of Santa Claus Girls, found no fire, water damage, or soot on their merchandise.
One firefighter was injured during the fire operation but is now recuperating at home, as per Pelton. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and Santa Claus Girls will find out by Wednesday if their merchandise can be saved.
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