Early morning blaze in Imlay Twp.

Four fire departments battle to save Doran Rd. home

 

IMLAY TWP. — Alert family members and firefighters from four departments worked to save a two-story home on Doran Rd. from being completely destroyed by a four-alarm fire early Monday morning.

The residential structure, located in the 600 block of Doran, between Weyer and Church Rd in Imlay Twp., sustained heavy fire, water and smoke damage, according to Imlay City Fire Chief Keith Klobucar. He said the first call for help was around 4 a.m.

“There was heavy smoke and flames just starting to come from the one corner of the house when we arrived,” Chief Klobucar said. “It was starting to roll pretty good and was in some of the walls before we were able to get water on it.”

Little time was wasted in sounding the alarm for other departments when Imlay City received mutual aid from Goodland Twp., Mussey Twp. from St. Clair County and manpower assistance from Almont fire department.

According to fire officials, family members attempted to stop the fire by using an extinguisher but were unable to do so and exited the home after calling 911.

“The majority of the fire was in the southwest part of the home, near a pellet stove,” said Chief Klobucar. “It got in to the walls and started rolling through the ceilings going in to the kitchen. That part of the house had the most fire damage, but really, the entire house has extensive smoke and water damage. I’m not sure if they will be able to salvage the structure or not.”

The Chief said the mutual aid operation went very well between the departments.

“Everyone worked well together and knew their jobs. It went pretty smoothly as far as fire operations go.”

He said trucks hauled water to the scene from a fire hydrant in Imlay City near the intersection of M-21 and M-53, by the Silver Grill restaurant.

More than 11,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the blaze, according to fire officials.

The family has made contact with the Red Cross for temporary housing needs until permanent housing can be arranged.

Official cause of the blaze remains under investigation.