COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The cause of a fire which destroyed a Coldwater house and caused $220,000 worth of damage on Friday afternoon is under investigation.
The blaze at the Jeremiah and Brittany Witbeck residence at 156 Seeley Street was reported just before 3:20 p.m.
Coldwater Fire Marshall Steve Trall says firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames when they arrived.
Trall reports Jeremiah Witbeck was taken to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital. A neighbor reported he was the only person home when the fire broke out.
The fire was called under control just before 4:30 p.m. Firefighters were hampered by the windy conditions. Wind gusts at the time of the fire were measured at between 35 and 40 miles an hour at the Branch County Memorial Airport.
Crews remained on the scene until about 6:40 p.m. They were assisted by the Coldwater Police Department.
While Coldwater firefighters were busy on Seeley Street, a four car personal injury accident took place at the intersection of U.S. 12 and Western Avenue. Bronson firefighters had to be called in to help Coldwater Police and Lifecare Ambulance at the accident scene.
