ANTIOCH TOWNSHIP, MI — A firefighter from the Colfax-Greenwood Fire Department is in stable condition at a Traverse City hospital after being injured in an explosion during a fire response, officials reported. The incident occurred when firefighters were dispatched at about 2 a.m. to a “fully-involved pole barn fire” in Wexford County’s Antioch Township, located about 15 miles northwest of Cadillac.
According to the fire department’s statement on Facebook, a defensive attack was being set up when an extremely large explosion occurred. The blast led to a “mayday” call for additional resources after the injured firefighter was discovered. The report mentioned that the firefighters were deeply affected by the incident and provided care to their fallen colleague.
The injured firefighter, whose name was not disclosed, was taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and is reportedly in stable condition. The fire was eventually extinguished, and the firefighters left the scene around 5 a.m. on Saturday. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
Fire Chief Jason Nelson expressed gratitude for the rapid response from neighboring fire departments and stated that they are hopeful for the firefighter’s full recovery. This incident underscores the risks that firefighters face in the line of duty and the importance of maintaining safety protocols during emergency responses.