Slow response times played role in Milford party store fire

Due to a glitch in the alarm system for fire responders, Holdens Party Store burned down last month. Local 4s Rod Meloni reports.

MILFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Holden's Party Store in Milford suffered a devastating fire three weeks ago and response times played a part in the destruction.

In a money-saving move, Milford Township contracted with the Oakland County Radio System through the Sheriff's Department to dispatch its mostly volunteer fire department on Sept. 1.

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The fire broke out the next morning.

The deep fryers ignited and 911 was called around 5 a.m.

The Fire Department however was delayed to the scene because firefighters didn't get the first alarm and most didn't get the second.

The first two-person crew made it there in 12 minutes, but it took more than a half hour for the full contingent to arrive.

"You can be frustrated," said Chief Larry Wilgora. "The fact that it happened the way it did, but I can't be angry, anybody, it's technology."

Jason Holden, son and nephew of the owners of the party store, stacked salvaged brick pavers Friday and tried not to think about the costly response times.

"It didn't work properly and as far as I am concerned there is no point in crying over spilled milk," said Holden. "The damage has been done at this point now, we just got to get the rebuilding process underway."

The rebuilding process is expected to take somewhere between eight and 12 months.


About the Author:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ Professional.