By David Fleet
Editor
At 1:24 p.m., Feb. 26, Brandon Fire Department responded to a fire on Ridge Court in the Walnut Hill Subdivison. Township Fire Chief David Kwapis reported the initial call was for a garage fire in a home, however, when firefighters arrived the home in a wooded area was completely engulfed. Three individuals were at home at the time of the fire a 5 and 16 year old along with a caretaker in addition to three dogs.

“At the time of the fire the residents were unsure if the dogs were still in the fire,” said Kawpis.
“However, neighbors found two of the dogs while a third dog remained on the property due to an invisible fence that would shock the animal if he left the yard. The dog was afraid and feared the fire. One of the residents removed the collar and a neighbor took the dog.”
Al Doran Excavating arrived with an excavator to lift burned debris in the basement so firefighters could apply more water to prevent rekindling.
Brandon was assisted by Atlas, Groveland, Hadley, Independence, Oxford and Springfield township fire departments along with North Oakland Fire Authority. The Oakland County Sherrif Office responded for traffic control and fire investigation.
“We all are so very fortunate for our mutual aid with are fire departments,” said Kwpais. “They support us and we them when the call goes out.”
Due to the location of the fire water was shuttled in from a pond near Perry Lake and Sherwood roads.
“The amount of water used on the fire is estimated between 50,000 to 75,000 gallons,” he said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.