BETHEL TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – A raging fire destroyed a decades old farmhouse on Tuesday on the Caudill property at 523 West Central Road and caused nearly $285,000 worth of damage.
Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber says his department was notified of the fire by Branch County Central Dispatch at 11:40 a.m..
Flames were coming from the roof of the large two-story farmhouse when fire crews arrived. The Lakeland Fire Department, who was called for mutual aid for one tanker while Bronson crews were enroute, was upgraded to a full-response once Bronson firefighters arrived on the scene.
The Union City, Sherwood, Burr Oak, and Orland fire departments supplied tankers.
Wilber says the wind driven flames quickly spread throughout the structure which was occupied by one adult when the fire broke out.
Bystanders were able to get the occupant out of the house prior to fire crews’ arrival. It is believed a dog perished in the fire.
The home occupant was treated at the scene by a Bronson Fire Emergency Medical Technician and taken to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital by Lifecare Ambulance.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Department provided traffic control. Wilber says over 150,000 gallons of water were used to put out the blaze and fire crews were on scene for five hours.
Damages are estimated at $225,000 to the house and $60,000 to the contents.
The home is next to the Caudill and Sons recycling business which has been operated by three generations of family members since 1970.
The business will be closed until further notice. The owners stated on their Facebook page, “Thank you for all of your kind and caring words. Our community is our family and we appreciate all of you.”
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