4 departments battle blaze.

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

HART TOWNSHIP — Four local fire departments battled a fire at 2880 West Polk Road Saturday afternoon, June 4, which extensively damaged a two-story home that contained three apartments.

A total of 15 people lived in the home, said Hart Fire Chief Ken Klotz. Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the residents, and Klotz said he also planned to contact the Crystal Valley Care Fund for assistance.

No one was injured in the fire, which began on the east side of the home in the basement.

The home, which is owned by Armando Gutierrez, is insured, the chief said.

Assisting the Hart Area Fire Department were Shelby-Benona, Ferry and Pentwater fire departments. Oceana County EMS, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and the Hart Police Department also assisted.

The open “balloon construction” style of the home’s interior caused it to spread quickly, Klotz said. The fire was initially dispatched at 12:42 p.m.