The City of Jackson continues to respond to the impacts of a large fire at a commercial building that happened the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 22 at a vacant commercial building on W. North Street. The fire sent massive amounts of ash and debris into the air, which later descended on properties in the northwest area of the City of Jackson.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) had field representatives in the City of Jackson on Wednesday, Aug. 23 to assess any potential environmental impacts from the fire. Tests from both the EPA and EGLE confirmed that the debris that fell on properties from the fire does not contain any hazardous materials. The EPA says residents may dispose of ash and debris from properties as they see fit and there is no threat to public health from materials that fell in neighborhoods.
Field representatives tested debris near the commercial property on W. North Street and found asbestos. Because of this, W. North Street will continue to be closed to traffic and pedestrians until the immediate area around the fire-damaged property is cleaned up.
The EPA also reports that air quality continues to be monitored, but no containments have been found. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire scene.
The investigation into the fire’s origins is being handled by Jackson Police and Fire Services and Michigan State Police.