NOVI (WWJ) - A late night blaze on Wednesday ripped through a party supply business in Novi where water slides, inflatables and other items were incinerated.
The flames erupted at Acme Partyworks off Vincenti Circle and Meadowbrook sometimes before 8 p.m. WWJ's Luke Sloan reported that by the time crews arrived on scene, much of the roof was consumed by the blaze.
Officials said the roof eventually collapsed as crews worked to get the fire under control. Two walls also caved in, complicating efforts.
"Fortunately, when we went to that defensive mode, we didn't have any firefighters in that area, so that was good on our part," Novi Fire Department Chief Jeffery Johnson told WDIV of the collapsing structure. "So nobody got hurt from that."
While crews were able to spare neighboring businesses and eventually extinguished the blaze, the warehouse and its contents are a total loss.
According to Sloan, the business kept party rental supplies such as inflatables, mechanical bulls, bounce houses, and water slides stored in the burnt down building.
Novi Assistant Police Chief John Martin told WWJ that the equipment helped fuel the fire.
"What they had inside there is materials that are plastic type-materials that can kind of keep holding that heat and create a little bit more fires."
Martin said the Farmington Hills Fire Department helped put out the fire.
Officials said they are still investigating the cause of the fire which remains undetermined at this time.
The company's website stated Acme Partyworks was founded three decades ago in Metro Detroit:
"Since 1992, Acme has been your reputable provider of quality party rentals items to southeast Michigan and surrounding areas. From birthday parties and church events, to schools and company picnics, Acme Partyworks is the company you can rely on!"
