Fire destroys 130-year-old vacant home.

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By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

BENONA TOWNSHIP — A two-story vacant home at 2148 S. 36th Ave. will likely be a total loss due to a fire Thursday afternoon, Aug. 11.

No one has been living in the house, which is approximately 130-years-old, for about the last fire years, said homeowner Gary Burmeister. The home, located just south of Shelby Road, was used for migrant housing at one time, Burmeister said. It is insured, he said.

Firefighters from Shelby-Benona, Hart, Grant Township, and Ferry Township were dispatched to the scene. Oceana EMS was called in for standby, and the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

Due to the poor condition of the home, firefighters were instructed to temporarily hold off on battling the blaze for safety concerns, said Shelby-Benona Fire Chief Jack White. The roof was not safe for the firefighters to go on, and the home’s interior was also unsafe.

A passerby noticed the house was on fire and called 911 at approximately 1 p.m.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown.