Roof collapses in Manistique house fire

Manistique Public Safety are investigating a structure fire that broke out early Thursday morning.

Public Safety officials and volunteer firefighters were called to a house on North Fourth Street at 2:15 a.m. after receiving reports of flames going through the roof. Upon arrival, officers found the entire house engulfed in flames, but fortunately after investigating the scene it was determined no one was inside at the time of the fire.

Firefighters worked on the fire for about 35 minutes before they were able to bring it under control. However, their effort was hindered after the metal roof of the house collapsed, trapping a heavy fire load underneath. Firefighters remained at the scene until 6:15 a.m., putting out hotspots.

The home was heavily damaged by the fire, and is considered to be a total loss. It’s owned by Karen McDonald of Manistique, but was being rented by Timothy Hutchins and Tabitha Stephenson, who were not home at the time. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Manistique firefighters were aided at the scene by the Schoolcraft County chapter of the Red Cross.