Separate fires have caused major disruption at two local locations, one in Shingleton and one in the City of Munising. Despite property and equipment damage, no major injuries were reported in either incident.
On Friday, November 3, the Bear’s Den in Shingleton went ablaze during dinner service. According to Munising Township Volunteer Fire Department officials at the township’s regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday, Nov. 6, the fire originated with an electrical component in one of the bathrooms. Employees were able to identify blistering on the ceiling and the building evacuated safely.
The fire is still formally under investigation at time of deadlines for this week’s edition.
The Bear’s Den announced on its Facebook page that the restaurant will be closed until further notice.
“We appreciate all the community for all the love and support. And we especially appreciate our awesome team. We love you all! We will keep everyone updated as we regroup and get back,” the post read.
A request for interview left at the sister restaurant of the Bear Trap was not immediately returned.
On Saturday, November 4, the Munising City Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call at the Alger County Heritage Center on Washington Street. According to Munising Fire Chief Red Anderson, a riding lawn mower caught fire. The equipment was close to the treeline and other structures between the center’s building and the lakeshore, resulting in charring to the trees and fence. Roughly 200 gallons of water was used to extinguish the blaze.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, local fire departments respond to roughly 46,700 calls a year due to electrical fires, causing an estimated $1.5 billion in damages. Three in every ten electrical fires occur from November through February due to increased use in colder months. Keeping flammable objects away from outlets, regular electrical safety inspections and not overloading circuits are just a few of the many ways to prevent electrical fires.
Fire crews respond to a lawn mower caught on fire outside the Alger County Heritage Center on Saturday, Nov. 4.
