– OCP photo
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP — A garage was destroyed and the attached house is likely a total loss following a fire Monday, April 7, at 5300 Winston Road, said Grant Township Fire Chief Dan Yost.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene shortly after 3 a.m. The owners awakened to smoke in their home and were able to get themselves and their pets to safety. However, the male resident suffered minor burns to his feet, said Yost.
It is believed that a heat lamp inside the garage that was being used to keep two or three calves warm may have started the fire. It is likely one of the young cows may have knocked over the heat lamp, said the fire chief. The calves did not survive the fire, he said.
“The wind did not help us — the wind was driving the fire conditions,” said Yost. Nearly 40 mph wind gusts Monday made the temperature feel like it was in single digits.
Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze, but spent hours on overhaul efforts, said Yost. Grant Township received assistance from the Shelby-Benona Fire Department and the Montague Fire District, along with Life EMS on standby and Great Lakes Energy assisting with a power line. Firefighters remained on scene until around 6 a.m.
The couple planned to seek temporary housing with family members, the chief said. Their home, which suffered extensive fire damage, is insured.
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