Dogs killed, house destroyed in Dowagiac fire

DOWAGIAC — A Saturday morning structure fire in Dowagiac claimed the lives of several dogs, officials said.

At approximately 6:40 a.m. Saturday , the Dowagiac Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire involving a single-story home located at 204 Marion Street in the City of Dowagiac. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that all human occupants had safely exited the residence. However, several dogs remained trapped inside.

The Wayne Township Fire Department responded with a pumper tanker and personnel to support fire suppression efforts.

The DFD arrived on the scene within three minutes of dispatch and encountered heavy fire involvement on multiple sides of a single-wide trailer. Crews quickly confirmed that all individuals were accounted for and out of the structure. Firefighters from both Dowagiac and Wayne Township collaborated to conduct a transitional fire attack, successfully bringing the fire under control without any injuries.

Primary and secondary searches were conducted, during which the deceased dogs were discovered. Fire crews then carried out salvage and overhaul operations, ensuring all remaining hotspots within the structure were fully extinguished. Unfortunately, the building sustained severe damage and was deemed a total loss.

Following an investigation, our fire investigator determined the fire to be accidental and electrical in origin, with the ignition point traced to an exterior entryway. No smoke detectors activated during the incident. The Dowagiac Fire Department provides smoke alarms free of charge to city residents. If you are in need of one, please contact us at (269) 782-9563.

Assisting with the incident were the Dowagiac Police Department, Wayne Township Fire Department, SMCAS Ambulance, American Electric Power, and SEMCO Energy.

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