Ironwood man tries to burn down home while still inside

An Ironwood man is in critical condition after attempting to burn down his home while still inside.

The Ironwood Public Safety Department responded to a 911 call Saturday morning reporting that a 30-year-old male had drank antifreeze. Upon arrival, IPSD and Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department officers discovered that the subject had poured gasoline throughout the house and was barricaded in an upstairs bedroom. The subject was suspected to be suicidal after a dispute with his live-in girlfriend. The Ironwood Public Safety Department Fire Division was called in for additional assistance given the potential fire hazard.

The SWAT team proceeded to enter the barricaded room where the subject was taken into custody before asking officers how much the house had burned. It appears that he had attempted to light a fire prior to locking himself in the bedroom. He was taken to Aspirus Grandview Hospital by Beacon Ambulance prior to being transported to another hospital for treatment. His girlfriend and her infant were relocated to another residence. Both were unharmed.

A one-block area was sectioned off and residents were evacuated to the Maplewood Steak House due to the possibility of a fire. After the block had been cleared, residents were allowed back in their homes. The structure poses no significant risk at this time.

Due to the nature of the call the subject’s name and address are not being released.

Also responding, during the 3-hour event, were deputies from the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department, Hurley Police Department, and Wisconsin’s Iron County Sheriff’s Department. The IPSD would like to thank all agencies for assisting in this investigation, including the Maplewood Steak House, Red Cross and Gogebic County Victim Services.