BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Fire fighters had so much trouble extinguishing a fire in Benton Harbor, the house had to be demolished.
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety arrived at 1297 Superior Street just after 3 p.m. Tuesday to find dark billowing smoke and intense flames.
"The smoke emanating from the house was so thick that there was zero visibility while standing in the yard," said a department statement. "A haze of smoke covered the area for several blocks."
Unfortunately, the amount of contents in the home and around the property prevented crews from effectively fighting the fire, and City Manager Ellis Mitchell had to authorize and emergency demolition of the building.
Meeks Construction was called in and brought the home to the ground, enabling crews to put out the flames.
The sole occupant of the house was not there at the time, but his dog died in the fire. The homeowner has been in contact with the American Red Cross for assistance with food and shelter.
