10/6/12 - Eaton Rapids Twp house fire, 11457 Columbia Hwy

An off duty firefighter investigating smoke near the roadway discovered a fully involved house fire at 11457 Columbia Hwy. The Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department was dispatched at 6:45 PM on Saturday, October 6, 2012. Automatic aid was sent from the Eaton Rapids and Windsor Township fire departments and additional aid was requested from the Mason Fire Department for tankers and manpower. When responding units could see the smoke from a distance away, a tanker was also requested from the Hamlin Township Fire Department. Due to heavy fire involvement in the basement, command advised all personnel to make an exterior attack only. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control but extensive overhaul was required after the structure was determined safe for limited entry. The homeowner was not home when the fire was discovered and there were no injuries.