Early Morning Fire Destroys Taylor Street Home

IRONWOOD, MI - Sunday, July 05, 2009 - Area firefighters responded to an early morning fire call today. A call came into Negaunee Regional Dispatch at approximately 4:20 AM that smoke was coming from this home located at 116 Taylor Street. Six volunteers and 6 to 8 Ironwood Public Safety Officers immediately responded to the call. The double roof of the structure makes fire fighting much more difficult due to the fact that there are so many angles, and chaseways to fuel the flames.

It appears the fire started on the upper level of the home, and although it appears to be electrical in nature, that has yet to be determined.  Area fireman fought the blaze for approximately 3 to four hours before it was fully extinguished. While fighting this blaze, another fire call came in. IPSD officers immediately contacted the Hurley Fire Department who quickly responded to the second call. According to reports, the second call was a false alarm at Josephson's Nursing Home. Apparently, they have been having problems with their alarm system.

Xcel Energy responded to the Taylor Street fire and immediately disconnected electric service to the building. Beacon Ambulance was on the scene and they administered oxygen to a couple firefighters who were overcome with smoke. The Hurley Fire Department came to assist the IVFD and the IPSD at the Taylor Street home following the false alarm, but by then the fire had been fully extinguished. Nonetheless the HFD helped secure the area and assisted gathering hoses, etc.

According to neighbors, the home was recently purchased by an out-of-town buyer. The buyer was in the process of moving belongings into the home. Neighbors said the home was previously damaged by ruptured water lines. If electrical lines are not replaced following water damage, fire can result.

More information will be posted as soon as it is available.