By Gari Voss
Ricky Holly and Emily Steward came upon a burning home on CR 653 in Pine Grove Township before 9am on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The pair quickly went into action by calling 911 to contact the Gobles Pine Grove Fire Department. Then they entered the burning building to remove two residents and a couple of their pets before the fire trucks arrived.
Shortly before 9:00 am, the Gobles Pine Grove Fire Department and Bloomingdale firefighters were dispatched in response to a report of a structure fire in the 11000 block of CR 653 in Pine Grove Township.
Upon arrival, the fire crews found that two occupants and dogs had been moved to safety by the brave bystanders who had alerted 911 of the fire.
The crews immediately began working on the fire through the heavy smoke coming from the home. An aggressive interior attack and search was done locating the heavy fire in the ceiling of the home with extension into the first floor as well.
Other dogs and cats were located during fire attack and search and brought to safety.
Due to an immediate roof collapse of the home, the fire was difficult to contain, but crews worked tirelessly and were able to save most of the structure.
Pine Grove Fire Chief Brian Cronk wanted to thank the amazing mutual aid partner, the Bloomingdale Fire Department, for the assistance on scene.
“We would also like to thank LIFE EMS, Van Buren County Sheriff Department deputies and animal control,” scribed Cronk. “We would especially like to thank Ricky Holly and Emily Stewart of Plainwell, who put their lives in harms way in order to run inside a burning building to save the two occupants and animals prior to our arrival.”
In closing, Cronk stated, “Our hearts go out to the family who lost their home, and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”
