Arson destroys vacant Vicksburg mill

VICKSBURG, Mich. (WOOD) - A vacant 40,000-square foot one-time paper mill was destroyed in a massive fire early Friday morning that prompted at least 10 fire departments to respond, a fire that was ruled to be arson later in the day.

The building in the 200 block of West Maple in Vicksburg - most recently the home of Fox River Paper Company - has been vacant for 11 years. It was previously the home to Lee Paper Company and then Simpson Paper Company.

South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority chief Tracy McMillan said, "It has been determined to be arson. We found two origins."

The first emergency calls were made around 4:15 a.m. The roof collapsed and heavy equipment was brought in later to tear down the rest of the building.

Vicksburg fire officials told 24 Hour News 8 there are concerns because of past evidence homeless people used the building for shelter.

Police at the time said there was no evidence anyone was inside the building at the time of the fire.