Fifth Third Ballpark traces source of fire

Authorities have identified the likely cause of a fire that destroyed multiple suites and led to a partial roof collapse at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Plainfield Township Fire Chief David Peterson said a space heater used by a work crew started a small fire Friday morning at Fifth Third Ballpark, but workers thought they had extinguished it.

They returned to find an entire area in flames.

Peterson said a sprinkler system was deactivated earlier Friday because of a false alarm. The response also was slowed by a lack of fire hydrants.

There were no injuries.

West Michigan Whitecaps co-owner Denny Baxter said officials plan to rebuild in time for opening day in April.

The ballpark is home to the Whitecaps, the Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.