A fire in a detached building Lake Street in Empire was extinguished Friday, without spreading to the main structure.
At 12:33 p.m. on Friday the Glen Lake Fire Department responded to a structure fire reported in the 11000 block of Lake Street in the Village of Empire.
Firefighters arrived at 12:36 p.m. to find a detached garage ablaze near a residence, with 25 mph winds pushing smoke and embers towards nearby homes.
According to Fire Chief Bryan Ferguson, upon arrival, the firefi ghters quickly assessed the situation and initiated offensive firefighting operations. They deployed multiple hose lines to attack the fire directly and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures. The strong winds posed a significant challenge, requiring firefighters to continuously monitor and control the direction of the smoke and embers.
Additional units from the Cedar Area Fire Department, Almira Township Fire Department, and National Park Service Rangers arrived to assist. These units provided additional manpower, equipment, and expertise, ensuring a coordinated and effective response. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the fire and established a perimeter to protect nearby homes.
The fire was brought under control by 1:19 p.m. and fully extinguished shortly thereafter. While the residence closest to the garage sustained minor exterior damage, the fire did not spread inside the home. Residents of surrounding structures were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported among citizens or firefighters.
Units remained on the scene until approximately 3:30 p.m., conducting thorough checks to ensure no hot spots remained and to secure the area. The collaborative efforts of all responding departments played a crucial role in managing the incident and preventing further damage.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
