One firefighter injured in Nov. 15 structure fire
Editor's Note: The online version of this story has been updated.
PETOSKEY — A home was destroyed and one firefighter from the Petoskey Department of Public Safety was injured in a structure fire early Tuesday morning.
According to the Petoskey Department of Public Safety, firefighters were dispatched to a report of flames coming from a residence shortly after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
The neighbor calling 911 was uncertain of the address, but indicated it was near the intersection of Williams and Division streets, according to a statement from the department. The first arriving public safety officer reported there were flames coming from the garage of the residence at 500 Rose St. It was quickly discovered the flames from the attached garage had already spread into the home. The sole occupant of the home had been awoken by smoke detectors and, according to the homeowner, they met a firefighter inside the home and was then escorted outside.
Resort Bear Creek Fire Department was called for mutual aid and upon arrival, began evacuating residents of the home next door to the fire. Due to the close proximity of the structure on fire, officials said there was serious concern for the second home.
By this time, several neighbors had come to offer assistance. According to the department, numerous pieces of art as well as other items of personal interest were removed and taken to neighboring homes for safe keeping.
The flames from the burning structure did spread to the adjoining home, however, due to the efforts of Resort Bear Creek firefighters, the fire was never able to get established in the second home. With a crew in the attic space and a crew outside, officials said firefighters repeatedly pushed the fire back.
Springvale Fire Department was also requested for mutual aid and assisted with extinguishing the fire in the first home.
According to the Petoskey Department of Public Safety, the first home appears to be a total loss while the second home suffered damage to the adjoining side as well as water damage. A third residence located behind the fire was slightly damaged from the heat.
The Petoskey Department of Public Safety added that information is circulating regarding a Tesla being the possible cause of the fire. The Tesla was parked in front of the garage and officials said all indications are the fire started in the garage. Because there are no indications of foul play, Petoskey Public Safety fire investigators will work in conjunction with the fire investigator retained by the insurance carrier.
One firefighter was injured when he slipped on ice and fell from a four-foot retaining wall. Although transported to the hospital, he was released shortly thereafter to seek treatment from his own doctor for a knee injury.
Roads were closed Tuesday around the affected structures.
The Petoskey Department of Public Safety thanks CCE Central Dispatch, Resort Bear Creek Fire Department, Springvale Township Fire Department and the Petoskey Department of Public Works for their assistance.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: One firefighter injured in Nov. 15 structure fire
