Smoke detector may have saved lives
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
A two-story Ocqueoc Township farmhouse was destroyed by fire Saturday along North Dittmar.
Three departments, including the Ocqueoc-Bearinger Fire Department, responded to the raging blaze at 11 a.m. According to fire chief Gary Yaklin, the fire was fully involved when his crew arrived on the scene with flames shooting 50 feet in the air.
It is believed a smoke detector may have
Yaklin said Bruder went to lie down with the baby when the smoke detector went off. The fire chief was told that the wall behind the wood stove was glowing. Ashley ran out into the cold in her bare feet and went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Curtis across the road. There were no injuries.
Chuck Bruder owns the property. A considerable amount of firewood being stored in the basement made the fire difficult to contain. Crews were not clear of the scene until 4:17 p.m., but had to be called up because of a flare up at 7 p.m.
The wood stove cannot be ruled out as the cause. Case Township and the Onaway Fire Department provided mutual aid.