Early Morning Explosion & Fire Destroy South Range Road House

IRONWOOD, MI - Saturday, March 28, 2009 - An early morning fire consumed a house at 211 South Range Road, just south of the Pine Street intersection. Area firefighters were called out at 12:50 AM to fight the blaze. There was an explosion before the fire as reported to Negaunee during the 911 call.  Engine 99 responded with the Ironwood Public Safety Department (IPSD). The Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD), the Hurley Police, the Michigan State Police (MSP), and Beacon Ambulance also responded to the call.

Two firefighters were slightly injured while fighting the fire and at least one suffered possible smoke inhalation.  One firefighter was treated at the scene by Beacon; another went to the Grand View Hospital emergency room on his own after the fire;  and a third firefighter is going to be checked over later today. 

According to information obtained by the Chronicle, the Ironwood Public Safety Ladder Truck No. 69 was used to access blaze from the roof. The responding firefighters fought the intensely hot blaze for several hours. Four or five of the firefighters remained on the scene even after the blaze appeared to be extinguished to knock to hots spots, insuring no flare-ups.

It was a stubborn fire -- one that is very difficult to get under control our source explained. Xcel Energy was called to the scene to shut off the electricity. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by IPSD, so they are unable to release any further information at this time. The house was unoccupied and for sale, and it is believed that it is owned by a local lending institution. The Chronicle will be sure to post any and all information as it becomes available.