Fire damages Custer Township house; occupants get out safely.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

CUSTER TOWNSHIP — Six fire departments fought a house fire in northeastern Custer Township this afternoon. The fire at 989 N. Schoenherr Road was reported shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. Initially Custer and Scottville fire departments were called to the fire on the Custer/Branch townships line.

Custer Fire Chief Larry Crawford said the front of the house was engulfed in flames when the first unit arrived on scene. The owners, Scott and Misty Allen were not home at the time. However Misty’s father and their 11-year-old son was home, according to Mason County Sheriff Deputy John Balowski.

Custer Fire Chief Larry Crawford

Balowski said the fire appeared to have started when the grandfather, who is blind, lit a cigarette, which had fallen down his coat. He then took the coat off and the fire spread from there. The grandfather and his grandson were able to get out of the house safely. A Michigan State Police fire marshal was being called to investigate.

Fire damage to the front of the house was extensive with water and smoke damage throughout the rest of the house.

Assisting on scene were Custer, Scottville, Branch, Fountain Area, Free Soil/Meade and Riverton fire departments, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Life EMS, Fountain Area Fire Department Auxiliary and American Red Cross.