GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Michigan firefighter is recovering in the hospital after being injured in an explosion while battling a barn fire in Antioch Township, about 15 miles northwest of Cadillac. The Colfax-Greenwood Fire Department provided details of the incident on their Facebook page, stating that the pole barn was already engulfed in flames when the first responders arrived. The crew’s initial focus was on protecting nearby buildings from catching fire, but they were soon met with a large explosion.
Chief Jason Nelson reported that a Mayday call went out for the injured firefighter, prompting additional resources to be called in to assist. The firefighter was quickly taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and is currently in stable condition. Chief Nelson expressed gratitude to neighboring agencies for their assistance and offered prayers for the firefighter’s full recovery.
The fire was eventually brought under control and extinguished, but authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion. The incident left several other firefighters shaken, underscoring the dangerous and unpredictable nature of their work. The community is rallying around the injured firefighter, showing their support and appreciation for the bravery and dedication demonstrated by all first responders involved in the incident.
In summary, a Michigan firefighter was injured in an explosion while fighting a barn fire in Antioch Township. The injured firefighter is currently in stable condition at Munson Medical Center, and the cause of the fire and explosion are still under investigation. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by firefighters in the line of duty.