Barn fire breaks out in Dowagiac

Published 1:15 pm Friday, October 18, 2019

DOWAGIAC — A barn fire that broke out in Dowagiac early Thursday morning caused no injuries but is still under investigation.

At 5:08 a.m., the Dowagiac Fire Department and Wayne Township Fire Department were dispatched to a barn fire at 56770 M-51 near Pokagon Street, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Smith said.

Dowagiac firefighters arrived within five minutes to a fully engulfed 20-by-40 wooden structure that was nearly collapsed. Exterior hose lines were used by both departments for extinguishment with the fire being declared under control at 5:45 a.m., officials said.

The barn was being renovated and per the owner was insured.

Due to the complete destruction of the barn and contents, the cause is under investigation pending further information, although, arson is not suspected in this matter, officials said.

The barn was located behind an unoccupied house and officials confirmed the barn’s interior and contents burned for a period of time before being noticed and reported.

The cause of the fire at this time is undetermined.

Pokagon Volunteer Fire Department and Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department assisted with tanker support at the incident, along with traffic assistance from Dowagiac Police Department and Pokagon Tribal units. The last unit was cleared from the scene at 6:56 a.m.

No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.