CADILLAC - An early morning fire in the Cadillac area left a senior veteran couple without a home.
The fire broke out around 6:30 Thursday morning at a home on East 38 Road in Cherry Grove Township in Wexford County.
Cherry Grove Fire Chief Noah Knauf said the fire started in a pole barn and by the time they arrived the fire had rapidly spread to the home. The homeowners were able to make it out okay, but they did lose four dogs in the fire.
Knauf said they don’t know what started the fire and they were able to save part of the home, but it is unlivable.
He said road conditions and weather did impact their abilities to battle the flames.
“When we arrived on scene, the road itself had not been plowed yet because it’s not a primary road. And then, the driveway wasn’t plowed, so it was hard to get our engine down. So, we had, actually posted up where it’s at and then drag hose lines up the driveway about, a couple of hundred feet,” said Knauf.
Wexford County Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Boike did confirm the homeowners were both veterans and said there were also goats and chickens on the property. Boike said they are still trying to locate a goat that’s been missing.
The Salvation Army is assisting the victims, helping to provide clothes, groceries, and temporary housing.
Cadillac’s Salvation Army Officer in Command, Captain Greg Bock said Wexford Twilight Bark has offered their assistance and people can contact the Meyer Vet Clinic to donate towards the dogs’ cremations.
