COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Quick reaction by a home owner and fast response by the Coldwater Fire Department prevented a blaze from spreading even further yesterday afternoon when a garage behind a residence on State Street went up in flames. The alarm came in at 3:37 p.m. from 49 West State Street.
Duane Winch told 911 Branch County Central Dispatch that a wood burner had sparked the flames in his garage that was only about ten feet from the house. Winch made sure everyone inside had been evacuated and also alerted his neighbors. By that time, the garage was fully engulfed.
Coldwater firefighters had it under control in about 15 minutes even though gusty winds were a factor in fanning the intensity of the fire. There was damage to the siding on the back of the home, a vehicle, and the siding on a neighbor’s garage.
The official cause of the fire was listed as combustibles too close to the wood burner. There were no injuries. The fire department cleared the scene around 5:30 pm.
