Blaze destroys home

MANISTIQUE - Firefighters in Manistique battled three fires during the holiday weekend including a home that was destroyed.

According to a news release from Manistique Public Safety, no injuries were reported in any of the blazes.

Manistique's Fourth of July fireworks was the cause of a brush fire on Traders Point Drive at 11:10 p.m. Saturday, said Ken Golat, public safety director.

"The fire had started as the result of the annual Manistique fireworks display and firefighters were on standby at the scene in case any fires were started," Golat said.

The fire, which was quickly extinguished, was limited to a brushy area between Traders Point Drive and the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Damage was very minimal, he added.

Officials continue to investigate the cause and origin of a house fire at 311 N. Houghton Ave., said Golat. The home was being rented by David Conklin and Heidi Belecz.

The couple was in the backyard playing with their two children when Conklin noticed a fire in the kitchen area.

He attempted to put it out with a fire extinguisher but couldn't control the blaze and called 911 for assistance at 4:35 p.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed the first floor of the two-story home was completely involved in flames and smoke. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. Firefighters remained at the scene to extinguish hot spots for an hour and a half, leaving the property at 6:25 p.m., said Golat.

The structure was severely damaged by fire and smoke and is considered to be a total loss. The home was insured and is owned by Gary Gustafson of Garden.

Earlier Sunday, citizens were credited for keeping a wildfire from spreading out of control before firefighters arrived. City and volunteer firefighters arrived at the scene at 12:19 p.m. on South 8th Street in Manistique, Golat stated in the news release.

The fire was first seen by Lisa Fagan, Gary Schwamb, James Sheppard and John Sheppard who live across the street from where the fire occurred.

"The citizens observed the smoke and then went to the fire and held it at bay with shovels and sand until firefighters arrived," Golat said. "Fire officers credit their quick action from preventing the fire from damaging the new building as the fire came within five feet from the structure."

Upon arrival of firefighters, it was evident the fire had started near the new building and flames were attempting to enter the forest to the southwest.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze immediately, remaining at the scene for about 45 minutes to put out hot spots.

The cause and origin of the wild fire remains under investigation, Golat said.