Laketown, Fillmore officials get tour of fire facility

Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker opened the heavy metal door to the jointly owned live fire training facility at the Saugatuck Township Fire District station, 3342 Blue Star Highway on Monday night, Sept. 28, 2025, for officials from Fillmore and Laketown townships.

The smell of old smoke from the soot-stained walls permeated the cool air as DenBleyker walked officials through the rooms and explained how the facility helps emergency crews safely learn to battle fires.

Outside the three-story structure, Graafschap firefighters prepared for a night of active training.

DenBleyker invited members from the fire board and the boards of the two townships that make up the Graafschap Fire Department so they could see the facility firsthand then watch firefighters in action.

The facility opened in 2019 and is a collaboration of Clyde, Fennville, Ganges, Graafschap, Hamilton, Holland and Saugatuck fire departments and community donations.

Graafschap uses the facility several times a year.

For more information on the Graafschap Fire Department, click here.