KALKASKA, MICH. The Michigan State Police Houghton Lake Post assisted with the response to a structure fire in Kalkaska at approximately 4:00pm on Wednesday October 2nd, 2019.
Tpr. Adam Whited responded to the call when Kalkaska County Central Dispatch requested the Fire Department to 703 North Coral Street. He was nearby and arrived first, finding the home filled with smoke and a fire raging in one of the bedrooms.
Tpr. Whited was able to locate a single victim by crawling through the home below the smoke. Tpr. Whited located resident Denise Schroeter unconscious, lying on the Kitchen floor. Tpr. Whited was able to pull her from the burning home as help arrived.
The 62yr old female regained consciousness once outside and was transported to Kalkaska Munson Hospital then transferred to Munson Medical in Traverse City for further treatment for smoke inhalation. At this time, she is expected to recover. Witnesses at the scene stated Schroeter would have likely perished if not for the trooper’s quick action.
Tpr. Whited was also transported to Kalkaska Munson Hospital. He was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and released.
The owner of the home and the victim’s roommate 66yr old Sandra Barber responded to the scene and informed investigators that five canine companions perished in the flames along with three pet birds and two hamsters. Ms. Barber was at work when the fire broke out.
The Kalkaska Township Fire Department chief is investigating the scene. His agency was also assisted by Clearwater Fire and Cold Springs Excelsior fire. They were able to extinguish the blaze and render first aid to Ms. Schroeter. Two Fire fighters that had responded in their personal vehicles ahead of the fire trucks also searched the smoke-filled home and were medically cleared for the effects of smoke inhalation.
The Kalkaska Department of Public Safety is handling the continued investigation into the fire (tx: 231-258-9081).
Also assisting at the scene were Kalkaska EMS and The Department of Natural Resources law enforcement division (Conservation Officers).
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