COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County has had two pole barn fires about 12 hours apart last night and this morning with both structures gutted by the flames. The most recent fire was reported around 9:30 a.m.Thursday on Cranson Road in Bethel Township between Clearwater and Block Roads.
A neighboring farmer turned in the alarm and first arriving Bronson firemen discovered heavy smoke and fire showing. It took 50 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Bronson was assisted by the Lakeland Fire Department.
Wednesday night, firefighters had to battle gusty winds and the snow while facing the flames that destroyed a pole barn in Girard Township. The Coldwater Fire Department got the first call shortly before 8:00 p.m. about the blaze at 540 Farwell Road where Tony Petch lives. Poor road conditions also hampered their efforts but the firemen were able to greatly minimize the damage to several other nearby buildings and a large two story residence.
Lost in the fire inside the 40 foot by 60 foot structure were antique tractors and farm machinery along with straw and hay bales. The Quincy and Tekonsha Fire Departments provided assistance for Coldwater, which didn’t clear the scene until 12:45 this morning. No injuries were reported.
