Fire damages massage business; smoke fills plaza.

Editor’s note: Solace Medical Massage is one of Mason County Press’ advertisers. We have started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for Wanda who did not have renter’s insurance. Click here to help contribute.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. 

PERE MARQUETTE TWP. — Heavy smoke damaged Solace Medical Massage at 5710 W. U.S. 10 this morning. Owner Wanda Stewart said she showed up to open her business about 7:30 a.m. when she noticed the building was full of black smoke. She also noticed the back door of the building was also unlocked. Stewart immediately called 911. Pere Marquette Township and Ludington fire departments responded.

Firefighters immediately entered the building, wearing self contained breathing apparatuses.

“This business is everything I have,” Stewart said on the scene. “It’s my purpose.”

Stewart said she was told by firefighters that the fire started at or near a pile of sheets that she was going to take to the cleaners this morning. There were about 20 sets of sheets and 25 towels, most of Stewart’s inventory for her business. Stewart said the only fire damage was to the sheets. Stewart did not have insurance.

Pere Marquette Fire Chief Larry Gaylord said he did not know the exact origin of the fire and it was still being investigated. He did confirm that there was little fire damage and mostly smoke damage.

While Solace Medical Massage took the heaviest smoke damage, residual smoke entered the other buildings in the complex including Nails 2000, KJ Associates and H&R Block. It appeared that Lakeshore Dry Cleaners was not damaged. The plaza is owned by Don Nelson, Seven Investments.

The Mason County Sheriff’s Office was also on scene and was photographing the interior of the building.

Firefighters from P.M. were still on scene at 9:15 p.m.