IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, June 26, 2008 - Ironwood Public Safety Department officers responded to an 8:05 AM CST electrical fire call this morning at 301 East Oak Street.

According to eyewitness reports, the owner of the home ran out of the building alerting City workers, that were working on the street nearby, that his stove was on fire. The crew called 911 for assistance, and the man went back into the house. Within seconds, the man came running back out yelling that his house was ablaze. City workers grabbed extinguishers and attempted to enter the building but the smoke was too intense.

Assisted by the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Hurley Police, the fire was contained to the kitchen of the structure. Aerosol cans stored in the kitchen area began rupturing due to the intense heat. From outside of the home, mini-explosions could be heard as the cans exploded.

Twelve Ironwood Public Safety officers and seven Ironwood Volunteers did a great job getting the flames under control. Their expertise resulted in minimal fire damage to the structure. Smoke damage, was however, extensive. Also on the scene were the Hurley Police Department and Beacon Ambulance.

The fire was completely extinguished by 8:52 AM. There were no injuries in the incident.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Before rumors start, let me make it perfectly clear that the work being done by the City crews near the house had nothing to do with the fire. Our City workers should be commended for doing their best to assist the home owner. We are very lucky to have such a fine Public Safety Department, Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance, and good neighbors like Hurley.)

Jim Albert