Van Buren Township fire fighters battle two subdivision blazes

Van Buren Township fire fighters responded to a significant house fire in the 13000 block of Country Walk on July 1 at 12:35 a.m.
Fire Chief Dan Besson said they suspect a malfunction in an upstairs window unit air conditioner caused the fire that traveled up the outside wall and into the eaves eventually penetrating the roof prior to fire fighters arrival.
A quick knockdown by arriving fire crews helped contain the fire to the upstairs back bedrooms, which were both gutted, saving the rest of the home. Firefighters were able to locate and recover a dog from the home reuniting the dog with the grateful homeowners. No injuries reported. The loss was estimated at $50,000. Chief Besson said his department does not have the capabilities to determine exact faults in appliances.
Van Buren fire fighters also had a garage fire on July 3 at 1:48 a.m. in the 42000 block of Richmond. Firefighters arrived to find flames shoving from the garage. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire and keep it from extending into the rest of the home. No injuries were reported. Loss was estimated at $30,000. The cause of the fire was linked to fireworks, which had been used hours earlier that had smoldered in a plastic trash can before catching fire, Chief Besson said.