Firefighter receives minor injuries following Friday morning house fire
ALPENA — A firefighter from the Alpena Fire Department received minor injuries during a house fire Friday in the early morning hours on Eighth Avenue, according to a press release from the department.
According to the release, the firefighter fell through the floor to the basement of the structure but was self rescued at the scene. No other injuries were reported during the incident.
Fire department officials said the house was vacant at the time of the blaze. No cause was listed by the department and the fire remains under investigation.
The fire was discovered, according to the department, by an Alpena Police Department officer who saw smoke while he was patrolling the neighborhood.
Firefighters responded at approximately 2 a.m., where they found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the home’s basement area. A full department call was requested for off-duty personnel as well as mutual aid by the Alpena Township Fire Department.
According to the release, officials believe the house was burning for some time before it was discovered. They saod the fire took considerable time and effort to extinguish due to the older balloon-frame construction style of the home, which allowed fire to spread into the walls and attic space. The fire department was at the scene for seven hours working.
City firefighters were assisted by the Alpena Police Department, Alpena Township Fire Department, Alpena Power Company and the Alpena Salvation Army.
Any information on the fire can be directed to the department by calling 354-1805.