12/16/2025
Press Release:
Lincoln Township Fire Department Responds to Commercial Fire
On December 15 at 5:32 a.m., the Lincoln Township Fire Department was dispatched to 5131 St. Joseph Avenue for a fire investigation and a report of a possible transformer fire. Upon arrival, Chief Chiarello conducted a 360-degree size-up and confirmed a working fire in the large shop area of the structure and upgraded the response to a full structure fire response.
Firefighters from Lincoln Township, Lake Township, St. Joseph City Public Safety, and Benton Harbor Public Safety worked together to contain the blaze. Lincoln Township Engine 24 made an aggressive attack on the Charlie side of the structure while assisting departments attacked the fire from the Alpha side.
Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of all responding firefighters, the fire was successfully contained to the shop area. However, due to the large amount of contents inside the building, the maze-like layout, and freezing conditions, extensive overhaul operations were required to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to prevent further damage.
The fire has been fully extinguished, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Responding Depts:
Lincoln Township Fire Department: 3 Engines, 1 Chief Officer, 7 Firefighters
Lake Township Fire Department: 1 Engines, 4 Firefighters
St. Joseph City Public Safety, 1 Engine, Ladder, 1 Chief Officer, 8 Firefighters
Benton Harbor Public Safety: 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Chief Officer, 11 Firefighters
Lake Township Fire & Rescue, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, St. Joseph City Fire Department
