ADDISON TWP. ? A fire claimed the life of a horse and destroyed a barn at 2365 E. Drahner Road on Labor Day.
According to Addison Fire Chief George Spencer, the blaze was reported shortly after 10 p.m. Monday at the residence of Gary and Laura McGrath, west of Lake George Road.
When firefighters arrived on the scene they discovered an approximately 2,000-square-foot steel pole-barn fully engulfed in flames, Spencer said.
With aid from the Oxford and Oakland Township fire departments, Spencer said they were able to get the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes.
The pole-barn was full of firewood and straw, which not only fueled the fire, but also made it a ‘challenge? for firefighters to ensure the blaze was completely extinguished, according to the chief.
Steve Porter, an Oxford dispatcher and Addison resident, used his ‘track excavator? to help firefighters sift through and spread out all the hay and firewood.
No civilian or fire personnel casualties were sustained, however, a horse inside the barn did perish due to smoke inhalation, Spencer said.
Laura McGrath said the horse’s name was Bailey, a 10-year-old Appaloosa, who was mainly used for trail riding. Normally, Bailey would have been outside enjoying the summer night, however, she had an injured hip and was prescribed three days ‘stall rest? by the verterinarian, she said.
Although the exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Unit, Spencer said the incident is ‘not considered suspicious.?
The chief said it appears the blaze might have possibly been caused by the ‘spontaneous combustion? of a pile of rags covered in oil-based stain inside the barn.