ONTONAGON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Marquette man died in Ontonagon County Wednesday evening after he caught fire while using a burn barrel.
Michigan State Police say troopers from the Wakefield Post were called to an address in Ontonagon Township around 6:30 p.m. for a report of a possible fatal fire.
A preliminary investigation revealed an 84-year-old man from Marquette was using a burn barrel when the fire spread to nearby dry grass. The man caught fire while trying to extinguish the flames and ultimately died from his injuries.
The incident is still under investigation. The victim’s name is not being released.
Troopers were assisted by the Eighth District Fire Marshal, MSP detectives from the Wakefield and Negaunee posts, and SONCO ambulance.
