Incidents of this size require an extraordinary amount of coordination, resources, and personnel. We are incredibly thankful for the mutual aid provided by our neighboring fire departments and emergency service partners:

Bangor Fire Dept, Benton Harbor Public Safety, Bloomingdale Fire Dept, Covert Fire Dept, Columbia Twp Fire Dept, Decator-Hamilton Fire Dept, Fennville Fire Dept, Ganges Fire Dept, Hartford Fire Dept, Keeler Twp Fire and Rescue Dept, Lawrence Fire Dept, Lee Twp Fire Dept, North Berrien Fire Dept, Saugatuck Fire Dept, Sister Lakes Fire Dept, and Watervliet Fire Dept, along with South Haven Police Dept, South Haven Information Center, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Dept, Van Buren EOC, Van Buren County Dispatch, Van Buren EMS, South Haven Department of Public Works, and Bronson South Haven.

The assistance provided by these departments was invaluable. From firefighters working alongside our crews at the scene to personnel helping maintain emergency coverage in our community, each organization played an important role.

We would also like to recognize the many businesses, organizations, and individuals who generously donated food, beverages, supplies, and other necessities to support our firefighters and emergency personnel working throughout the incident:

Compton Inc, Spencer Manufacturing, Lakefront Roofing and Exteriors, Mike’s Towing, Meijer South Haven, South Haven Public Schools, South Haven Athletic Boosters, Three Blondes Brewing, Van Buren Transit, Red Cross, the EPA, EGLE, and Local and Regional Media.

The outpouring of love and support did not go unnoticed. Meals arriving on scene, cases of water and drinks, snacks, supplies, and countless other acts of kindness helped sustain our crews during a long and demanding response. We are deeply appreciative of every donation, large or small.

We would like to thank the many photographers that sent us their photos as well. Not only did you capture the fire itself but also the hard work and dedication of our team. These pictures will help us learn and provide training to our future firefighters.

Most importantly, we want to thank the members of our community. The calls, messages, meals, donations, words of encouragement, and willingness to help demonstrated once again what makes this community so special. The support shown to our emergency responders was overwhelming and humbling.

We also want to express our sincere sympathy to East Jordan Plastics, its employees, owners, and everyone affected by the loss. We understand that no response can change the tremendous impact that a fire of this magnitude has on a business and the people connected to it.

While we are saddened by the loss experienced by East Jordan Plastics, we are proud that our firefighters and emergency service partners were able to come together and provide the assistance needed during such a significant incident, limiting the amount of destruction and ensuring the safety of all involved.

This incident was a powerful reminder that when our community is faced with a difficult situation, we stand together, we help one another, and we get to work.

To every firefighter, emergency responder, dispatcher, law enforcement officer, business, organization, donor, and community member who helped in any way – THANK YOU.

Your support makes a difference and SHAES is truly grateful.

South Haven Area Emergency Services