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Posted on Thu, Apr 29, 2010 : 11 a.m.

Fire damages Salem Township home; resident escapes

By Cindy Heflin

A fire caused extensive damage to a Salem Township home Wednesday night, but a resident escaped with her dog before firefighters arrived.

Salem Township Fire Chief Mark Hamilton said firefighters found heavy smoke throughout the house in the 7000 block of Seven Mile Road when they arrived shortly after the fire was reported at 8 p.m. They soon discovered it was in the basement of the one-story home.

The cause is under investigation, but firefighters have no reason to believe it's suspicious, Hamilton said.

Firefighters had the blaze under control in about half an hour, Hamilton said. Fire departments from Superior and Lyon townships and the City of Northville assisted Salem Township. The fire was contained to the basement and a back room, where it had started to break through the floor, Hamilton said.

Huron Valley Ambulance took the woman who was at home when the fire broke out to a hospital for observation, Township Trustee Brien Witkowski said. The Washtenaw County Red Cross is assisting the woman and her family with food, clothing and lodging.

Damage was estimated at $150,000.

Comments

salemsurfer

Thu, May 6, 2010 : 9:09 p.m.

You say he is not a fireman so he does not fight fires? Does he not get sworn in at the scene?

salem_old_timer

Thu, May 6, 2010 : 5:49 p.m.

Salemsurfer are still telling the truth or are you twisting the facts? This firefighter Witkowski as you say is a township Trustee not a fireman. As I do recall he was on the fire administrative board. You must not have even driven by this house because it still looks pretty good for it being "Another basement saved!!" Have you seen the response time? I thought it was great less then 5 minutes to have a firetruck on scene when the station was about 4 miles away. Thank you Salem Fire Department for putting your lives on the line to help other people.

salemsurfer

Tue, May 4, 2010 : 1:18 p.m.

In My Opinion Response time??? The above informations stated the homeowner and the dog escaped with their lives BEFORE the fire fighters showed up! $150.000 of damage? The firefighter Witkowski was taking pictures instead of working on the fire? The Red Cross was called in to help with food clothing and lodging?? Another basement saved!!

VoiceofReason

Sat, May 1, 2010 : 11:22 a.m.

Homeowners in Salem better hope the recall against Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy work since Superior Township has been called to provide future fire services. Response time will greatly increase since theit closest station is at Ford and Prospect Roads!