ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Ann Arbor Fire Department crews spent hours Monday battling a garage fire on the 400 block of Highland Road that spread into hidden wall and attic pockets of a century-old Tudor home.
Chief Mike Kennedy said crews were called about 8:30 a.m. Oct. 12 and found flames that had already moved from the attached garage into attic space. The high-eaved Tudor design created isolated pockets inside the walls rather than one open attic, forcing firefighters to cut into the roof with chainsaws to reach fire that had traveled far from where it started.
Occupants and a family cat escaped safely. Damage was limited to the bedroom above the garage, Kennedy said. One firefighter was treated on scene for heat exhaustion. Kennedy called it one of the most physically demanding fires the department had faced in a long time.
Mutual-aid and backup came from Ann Arbor Township, Scio Township, Pittsfield Township, Huron Valley Ambulance and Helping Area Response Teams, with Saline, Superior Township and Dexter providing coverage while city units were tied up. The Ann Arbor Fire Department operates six stations across the city. The cause remains under investigation.
The 400 block of Highland Road sits in the Geddes and Hill area, known for large wooded lots and Tudor and Colonial Revival homes east of Central Campus. Crews were still on scene into late morning as they opened attic spaces and checked for remaining hot spots.
