GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Michigan firefighter was injured in an explosion while battling a barn fire in Antioch Township, about 15 miles northwest of Cadillac. The Colfax-Greenwood Fire Department reported the incident early Saturday morning on Facebook.
The pole barn was already engulfed in flames when the first crews arrived on scene to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. A large explosion occurred just minutes later, prompting a mayday call for a downed firefighter.
Chief Jason Nelson stated that several other firefighters were shaken by the incident, but rendered care to their fallen comrade. The injured firefighter was taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and is currently in stable condition. Chief Nelson expressed his hope for a full recovery and gratitude towards neighboring agencies for their assistance.
The fire was eventually brought under control and extinguished, while investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.
The injured firefighter’s condition was last reported as stable, and Chief Nelson expressed his appreciation for the support received from neighboring agencies. The investigation into the cause of the fire and explosion is ongoing.