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"The homeowners were burning brush fallen from the recent storm," said Imlay City Fire Chief Kip Reaves. "The winds moved from the west to the south and the embers landed on the roof's cedar shingles, igniting it. They had a burning permit."

Imlay City firefighters were aided by a full assist of manpower and equipment from Almont Township and Mussey Township was dispatched for water. When firefighters arrived, the cedar shake roof of the two story heavy timber construction barn was about 50% on fire. There were several farm vehicles next to it and a nearby larger barn was endangered.

"The homeowner and his wife moved a Bobcat and a motor home and got them out of the way," Reaves said. "There were tools inside the barn, as well as gas cans and propane."

About 20 firefighters worked on saving the barn on fire and preventing the spread to the nearby structure.

"During that time of day, it's a struggle to find manpower," Reaves said. "We had about seven, Almont had between eight and nine, and Capac had five. We had every truck we could muster."

Because of the inherent danger of firefighting and the high temperatures, Lapeer County EMS stood by the entire time and Almont Police assisted in traffic and scene control. We're thankful for their help and assistance, said Reaves.

Firefighters were on the scene for about four hours and there were no injuries. There is fire damage to the roof and water damage to tools and electrical equipment stored on the first floor of the barn. It's thought the barn may be repaired or remodeled to a one story barn. The larger barn wasn't damaged. Damage estimates weren't available at press time.

Reaves was surprised at the outcome.

"Upon arrival, I fully expected to lose the involved barn to flames and end up fighting a fire in the second, nearby barn," Reaves said. "The firefighters from the three departments did an excellent job of saving the involved barn and protecting the second barn from any damage. I told the firefighters at our debriefing after the fire that it was one of the top five barn saves I have ever seen."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com.