Otsego resident describes Dec. 23 blaze near his home, seeks fire-department update

David Swaab, a resident who gave his address as 16135 71st Lane Northeast, told the City of Otsego council during open forum that a Dec. 23 fire gutted one unit and damaged nearby apartments.

Swaab said he was returning from Target when he saw smoke and flames and that, from his driveway, the scene was about 100 feet away. He said one unit was gutted, neighboring units suffered smoke damage and broken glass from firefighters gaining entry, and he estimated that a responding engine would have taken about four minutes to arrive. He provided photos to the city clerk and said he would follow up with the fire chief by email to learn the formal response time.

Mayor (unnamed) told Swaab the chief would likely update the council at the public safety meeting and invited him to attend. Council members also encouraged Swaab to bring the photos for the city record.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting; the mayor and staff noted a public safety meeting will include the chief’s update. The council also scheduled a separate public safety meeting referenced during the open forum where the chief is expected to offer more details on response times and department readiness.