MANISTIQUE — Smoke detectors are being credited with alerting Manistique residents their home was on fire. The home was destroyed and the family pets were lost in the blaze. The occupants, however, were able to escape safely early Sunday morning.

The fire was reported at 3:11 a.m. Sunday at 429 Delta Ave., in Manistique. The Manistique Public Safety Department was called to the address after a report of a home on fire. Dispatch information indicated the entire back portion of the home was on fire.

Firefighters from Manistique Public Safety arrived on the scene at approximately 3:I 8 a.m. and could see a large amount of flames engulfing the rear of the home. Firefighters were able to confirm that all the occupants were able to exit the structure safely. Fire extinguishment efforts were split between the primary structure on fire and exposure protection of the residence immediately to the south. Firefighting efforts were hampered by heavy winds which fed the flames and pushed them towards a neighboring residence.

After nearly 45 minutes the fire was under control, but much of the structure was still burning. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 6:40 a.m.

While cleaning and readying equipment after the initial call, Manistique Public Safety was called back to the home after the fire rekindled. Firefighters arrived back at the scene at 7:20 a.m. It was discovered that the high winds had re-ignited some hot spots within the debris.

Firefighters attacked the areas burning and conducted an extensive overhaul operation making sure that all hotspots were cooled. All units cleared the scene at approximately 8:51 a.m. Sunday.

There were no injuries to the occupants, firefighters, or support personnel. The family pets were not able to exit the structure and were lost in the fire. The occupants were alerted by their residential smoke detectors, which allowed them to exit the burning home safely.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be some issue with the family’s wood stove, which was the primary heat source for the home. The residence is considered a total loss, along with most of the owner’s personal belongings.

Manistique Public Safety was assisted on scene by the Manistique Volunteer Fire Department, Manistique EMS, the Hiawatha Township Volunteer Fire Department, Thompson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Sault Tribe Police Department, Michigan State Police, Cloverland Electric, SEMCO Energy and the City of Manistique Water Department.