The house at 6235 M.25 Lane suffered “major smoke and fire damage,” as the Escanaba Public Safety Department put it, while a detached garage experienced minor damage in the form of melted siding.

Delta County Central Dispatch received the 9-1-1 call and dispatched Public Safety at approximately 10:54 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 31. At first, a miscommunication led responders to believe there was a child trapped inside; as the firefighters were en route, dispatch clarified that it was a dog that was still in the house with the blaze.

A relative and neighbor said that when the family found fire climbing in the kitchen, they ran outside quickly – which is the appropriate response, but it resulted in bare feet in the snow and a lot of lost belongings.

“Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were seen coming from the south side entrance door as well as smoke coming from the eaves,” reported Escanaba Public Safety in a press release. “An interior attack was made. The fire was located in the kitchen of the residence and quickly brought under control.”

On a detached garage at 6235 M.25 Ln., siding melted due to the extreme heat of smoke and flames coming from the house. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

The relative said that a firefighter told the family that the fire had seemingly sparked from electrical wiring.

Ford River Township Fire Department, Escanaba Township Fire Department, DTE, UPPCO, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, Delta County Road Commission and the Red Cross also assisted during the emergency.

The Escanaba Public Safety Department offered their condolences for the loss of the dog.