Flames Destroy Million-Dollar Michigan Homes

SAUGATUCK -- A grass fire took hold north of the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, moved up the stairwells and destroyed at least three homes valued collectively at more than $3 million.

Investigators say they discovered an abandoned campsite near the area of the fire. Personal belongings were found on site. They are asking anyone with information on the owners of the campsite to contact the Allegan County Sheriff's Department.

The fire began around midnight Sunday morning near 141st and 66th, and traveled nearly three-quarters of a mile, forcing officials to quickly evacuate about a dozen homes. The fire was made harder to fight by narrow roads and driveways -- and the fact these homes have no fire hydrants.

Three of those homes are destroyed, but everyone got out safely, said Capt Doug Den Bleyker of the Graafschap Fire Department. All the displaced residents were evacuated to Gibson Christian Reformed Church. The Red Cross is on the scene helping those people.

One of those residents, Barbara Myaard, told 24 Hour News 8 they heard the EPS alarm, saw smoke and their neighbor's house engulfed in flames, grabbed their shoes and ran out of their house.

A section of woods and beach grass also burned in the fire.

Firefighters had to bring the water in on tankers, then lay down 1900-feet of hose from the tub to the front lines.

"There's been a couple of instances over the past several years where we have actually warned these homeowners that are building that we will have a difficult time fighting a fire at your residence," said Bill Kaye, the chair of the fire board for the Saugatuck area. "Kind of put them on notice, but it doesn't change anything."

Investigators say given the size of the fire and and intesity of the flames it's amazing none of the residents were hurt and their thankful none of the firefighters was injured.

Republished with permission from WOOD TV8