News Photo by Reagan Voetberg A structure fire occurred at a residential building on Ford Ave. near Bosley St. on Monday.

A man in his 20s and a 2-year-old child sustained burn injuries in a structure fire in Alpena on Monday, according to a Monday press release from the Alpena Fire Department.

The Alpena Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1124 Ford Avenue at 9:13 a.m. Upon responding, crews observed a large column of smoke visible prior to arrival. On scene, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire showing from two front windows and a window on the north side of the structure.

Shortly after arrival, crews were notified of the two victims located at a neighboring residence, the press release stated. The man and the child had escaped the fire but sustained burn injuries. Both patients were transported to MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena by Alpena Fire Department paramedics with assistance from the Alpena Police Department. Due to the severity of their injuries, both patients were later transferred to another hospital with a burn unit for further treatment.

Fire personnel initiated an aggressive interior attack; however, due to the volume of fire and heavy smoke conditions, crews were forced to withdraw. A second interior attempt was made from the rear of the structure, but intense heat and deteriorating conditions required all personnel to be evacuated. Operations were then transitioned to a defensive attack.

Strong winds and cold weather conditions contributed to rapid fire spread, with the fire extending into the second story of the structure.

Nine on-duty firefighters and Fire Chief Andy Marceau made the initial response, the release stated. Seven off-duty firefighters and two auxiliary members were called in to assist with operations. The Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) Fire Department responded with five personnel and served as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

MyMichigan EMS and the Alpena Township Fire Department provided EMS and fire coverage through a mutual aid request. Additional agencies assisting on scene included the Alpena City Police Department, Alpena Power Company, DTE Energy, Alpena Department of Public Works, Alpena County Central Dispatch, and the Michigan State Police.

The Alpena Fire Department would also like to thank JJ’s and Jon Benson for their continued support in providing food and hot drinks to firefighters during the incident.

No firefighter injuries were reported. All units cleared the scene at 1:57 p.m., according to the press release.

The Alpena Fire Department would like to thank all assisting agencies and personnel for their professionalism, support, and teamwork during the incident.