GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A firefighter in Michigan was injured in an explosion while battling a barn fire in Antioch Township, located about 15 miles northwest of Cadillac.
The incident occurred early Saturday morning. The Colfax-Greenwood Fire Department released a statement on Facebook, explaining that the pole barn was already engulfed in flames when they arrived. The first responders were setting up to protect nearby buildings when a large explosion occurred.
Chief Jason Nelson stated, “Shortly thereafter a Mayday call went out for a firefighter down and extra resources were quickly brought in to help with the situation. Several other firefighters were shaken to their core and rendered care to their fallen brother.”
The injured firefighter was taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and is currently in stable condition. Chief Nelson expressed gratitude for the support from neighboring agencies. The cause of the fire and subsequent explosion is still under investigation.
The fire was eventually brought under control and extinguished. Investigators are working to determine the source of the fire and the cause of the explosion.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that firefighters face while on duty and the importance of their role in protecting communities.