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Total loss

Ishpeming structure unusable after blaze

Ishpeming volunteer firefighers battle a blaze at 314 Division Street in Ishpeming Monday evening. The structure is considered a total loss and was not insured. The cause of the blaze still being investigated. (Journal photo by Justin Marietti)

ISHPEMING –A structure on Division Street in Ishpeming is considered a total loss as the result of a structure fire Monday evening, but the quick action of an Ishpeming firefighter helped keep the blaze from spreading.

According to an Ishpeming Fire Department news release, an IFD volunteer firefighter smelled smoke in the area and upon investigation found flames traveling up the rear wall of the vacant structure at 314 Division St. just before 6 p.m.

The firefighter called 911 to report the fire and ran to the Ishpeming Fire Hall, returning to the scene with a fire truck.

“His quick actions possibly prevented a much larger fire,” the release stated. The structure at 314 Division St. is vacant, and located no more than 5 feet from the former Andriacchi’s Grocery Store, authorities said. While the store is no longer open, it is still seen as a historic site in Ishpeming, the release states.

Firefighters encountered a large amount of fire at the exterior rear of the structure, officials said.

“The fire went into the walls and gained entry into the attic and a double roof of the structure making extinguishment difficult,” the release stated.

IFD called in the Negaunee Fire Department for the use of its ladder truck due to the close proximity of the adjacent building.

No injuries were reported, and the scene was cleared around 10 p.m.

The structure was not insured, officials added, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

The Ishpeming Township Fire Department, Negaunee Fire Department, Marquette County Rescue 131, Ishpeming Police Department, Upper Peninsula Power Co. and SEMCO Energy Gas Co. assisted at the scene.

The Salvation Army volunteers provided hot food and beverages for firefighters.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.

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