A late-night fire tore through part of Linamar's Fruitport manufacturing plant yesterday, pulling in fire crews from across the lakeshore and lighting up an otherwise quiet shift. Eleven fire departments converged on the facility as heavy smoke poured from the building. All employees were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported, though firefighters stayed on scene for several hours to chase down hot spots and check for any lingering hazards.
What officials say
According to Ottawa County deputies, the first call came in around 9:27 p.m. yesterday. Investigators believe the blaze was accidental and connected to welding work inside the plant. Authorities also said initial worries about possible chemical exposure were put to rest after checks at the scene, and investigators reported finding no signs of arson. The account was reported by MLive.
Response and neighborhood impact
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and local fire chiefs confirmed that 11 agencies responded and that crews worked for hours to get the flames under control. Some nearby residents chose to leave the area on their own, but officials said there was never a formal evacuation order. Local TV coverage showed images from public safety crews featuring multiple ladder trucks and thick smoke hanging over the site, according to FOX 17.
Plant background and safety record
Linamar's Fruitport facility, listed at 14638 Apple Drive, houses an aluminum foundry and casting operation, according to Linamar. Federal OSHA inspection records show the plant underwent safety inspections in 2024 and 2025 that resulted in violations and penalties, as documented by OSHA. Company and county officials had not released a damage estimate or a timeline for restarting operations at the time of reporting.
Investigation and next steps
Investigators remained at the scene to secure the building and document damage while they worked to pin down the precise chain of events that led to the fire. Linamar had not immediately responded to requests for comment, and authorities had not announced a schedule for releasing a final cause or any repair plan, according to MLive. Emergency management and local fire officials said they would update the public if conditions change.
