Crews demolish home in Benton Harbor to extinguish fire

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Fire crews were dispatched to a home on Monroe Street Tuesday in Benton Harbor on report of a structure fire. An emergency demolition was eventually authorized due to the severity of the fire.

When personnel with the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety arrived, they say smoke and flames engulfed the structure.

Officials say that there was no visibility in the front yard of the home. Smoke blanketed the area for several blocks.

It is believed that the fire was hard to control because there was a large amount of contents within the home.

Debris and junk was also strewn on the ground outside.

Several off-duty firefighters had to be called in to assist.

Crews were able to extinguish the blaze after an emergency demolition was authorized by City Manager Ellis Mitchell.

The back portion of the home was torn down, which allowed crews to effectively putt out the fire and reach areas with hot spots.

One person occupies the home. They were not inside at the time and they are safe. Their dog, however, perished in the fire.

The scene was cleared by approximately 6:10 p.m.