By Christopher Johnson
Briarwood Apartments
Reports of a possible structural fire were met with a swift response from the Clare Fire Department this past Friday. First responders arrived at Briarwood Manor at roughly 10 AM, equipped with several fire engines and ample manpower.
Residents reported a strong odor that carried across the southside, lower units. Walls began to grow hot, and an impending fire outbreak became a cause for concern.
According to firefighters, a thorough investigation revealed that a blower motor in one of the lower units seized up and began to generate a deep heat wave throughout the unit. Whether the malfunction of the motor was age-related is unknown. Thankfully, the hazard was neutralized before it could escalate into anything resembling an actual blaze.
The Clare Fire Department prides itself on its reputation for arriving at a scene quickly and overprepared versus underprepared. Especially in situations that involve apartment complexes where multiple lives can be endangered all at once. More hands on deck helps expedite the investigation, reassure the residents, and round off a proper job well done. Sometimes, in more dire situations, there’s simply no time to wait for backup, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Multiple fire engines, police cars and other emergency vehicles can be alarming in passing, but especially alarming for the residents who suddenly look out and see an emergency scene developing in their backyard. It’s easy to gather on the lawn alongside neighbors and speculate the worst-case scenario. However, sometimes the details of a radio call can contrast for the better with actual reality. There’s simply no way of knowing until someone arrives at the scene to validate it firsthand.
A similar situation occurred earlier this year at the Gateway highrise. It too was handled and neutralized in a similar fashion, much to the confused terror of its many older residents.
While a wave of sirens can easily incite fear and anxiety for many, it’s worth reminding oneself that this is simply how the Clare Fire Department operates. What starts as a spark can easily become wildfire, and being prepared is optimal for either discovery.
Surrey Rd / US-127
After two very savage deliveries of Michigan snowfall so far this season, it’s safe to say the roads are now subject to regular, unpredictable danger as winter ensues in full force.
At roughly 4:20 PM on Tuesday, a fire crew and police responded yet again to another slide-off that occurred near the US-127 overpass on Surrey Rd north of Clare.
According to authorities, a motorist in a Chevy Silverado became banked in the brush some distance from the road after losing control and pinballing off a guardrail. The driver was not believed to have been speeding recklessly, but just enough to provoke the slick conditions that menace along these curves. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
These kinds of accidents have become some of the most frequent emergency calls after heavy snowfall. Especially amidst the county outskirts.
Surrey Rd in general is a hotbed for greasy, winter-related accidents. It serves as a prime example of why motorists need to exercise appropriate speed and awareness for their surroundings on these kinds of backroads and overpasses. Many Amish buggies cross this viaduct every day, making unchecked speed when taking these curves very lethal to more passive traffic.
It’s a dangerous gamble that endangers everyone, so both police and fire crews cannot stress enough to be smart and drive responsibly in the wake of these winter storms. The morning after is oftentimes just as dangerous as the blizzard. Even after salt and snow removal.
