

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, MI -- A Holland Township fire that heavily damaged an apartment complex was started by a resident using a propane torch to remove a squirrel's fur, Fire Chief Jim Kohsel said.

Kohsel said the resident was using a propane torch on a deck on the third floor of Clearview Apartments when the deck caught fire about 12:29 p.m. Wednesday. The resident was removing the squirrel's fur in preparation to eat the animal, the chief said.

Flames spread to the roof, burning it off part of the building. Kohsel said eight apartments were destroyed, and apartments on lower levels were damaged by smoke and water.

Fire destroys several units in a Clearview Apartments building in Holland Township 9 Gallery: Fire destroys several units in a Clearview Apartments building in Holland Township

In total, 32 apartments are damaged and can not be inhabited. No residents were injured in the blaze. A firefighter suffered a broken toe, Kohsel said.

The complex's management company will be estimating damage on Thursday, Kohsel said.

The American Red Cross arranged for temporary shelter and clothing for displaced residents.

Fire crews remained at the complex until about 6 p.m.

Crews from the Zeeland Fire Department assisted in battling the blaze.

E-mail Angie Jackson: ajackso3@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/angiejackson