Breaking News: Side-by-side fire contained on Chestnut Street; resident heard explosion

By Jennifer Champagne
Managing Editor

Munising Fire Department crews responded Wednesday evening to a report of a fire in the 200 block of Chestnut Street. Firefighters arrived to find a side-by-side on fire next to a garage. The vehicle was extinguished, and the garage was not damaged. No injuries were reported.

Munising Police Department officers responded to West Onota Street and Chestnut and offered assistance, but the fire was quickly contained and no help was needed.

Resident Sarah Marie Renner said she heard a loud explosion from down the street before stepping outside and seeing black smoke and flames. She began livestreaming the scene on Facebook.

“It sounded like a gunshot,” Renner said. “I walked outside, saw the smoke and flames and just started filming.”

The Munising Police Department and Munising Fire Department both were on the scene.

“MUPD officers responded to West Onota and Chestnut for a side-by-side on fire and offered assistance to the Munising Fire Department, but the fire was swiftly contained by Munising Fire Department and no assistance was needed,” said Police Chief Sheila Peters.

Fire Chief Ryan “Red” Anderson said, “Anytime you’ve got a vehicle burning that close to a structure, the risk goes up fast. Our crew got water on it right away and kept the garage from catching. I’m proud of how quickly and safely they handled it.”

Photos courtesy of Bill Savage.