MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Sunday, March 10, firefighters responded to a structure fire in Manistique. Hours later, they were called back after the fire rekindled.
At approximately 3:11 a.m., the Manistique Public Safety Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire on Delta Avenue. Dispatch information indicated that the entire back portion of the home was on fire. At approximately 3:18 a.m., firefighters arrived and saw a large amount of fire engulfing the rear of the home.
The first arriving units confirmed that all occupants exited the structure safely. Extinguishing efforts were split between the primary structure that was on fire and exposure protection of the residence immediately to the south. Those efforts were hampered by heavy winds, which fed the flames and pushed them toward a neighboring residence.
The fire was under control after nearly 45 minutes, but much of the structure was still burning. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 6:40 a.m.
While cleaning and readying department equipment after the initial call, Manistique Public Safety was called back to the scene for a report of active flames. Units immediately responded, arriving at 7:20 a.m. They discovered that the high winds had re-ignited some hot spots within the debris. Firefighters attacked the burning areas and conducted an extensive overhaul operation, ensuring all the hot spots were cooled. All units cleared the scene at approximately 8:51 a.m.
The occupants were alerted of the fire by smoke detectors, allowing them to exit the burning home safely. There were no injuries to the occupants, firefighters, or support personnel. Unable to exit the structure, the family pets were lost in the fire.
Authorities suspect the cause of the fire to be an issue with the home’s wood stove, which was the primary heat source. The residence was a total loss, along with most of the family’s personal belongings.
Manistique Public Safety was assisted on scene by the Manistique Volunteer Fire Department, Manistique EMS, the Hiawatha Township Volunteer Fire Department, Thompson Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Sault Tribe Police Department, Michigan State Police, Cloverland Electric, SEMCO Energy, and the City of
Manistique Water Department.
