Oct 11, 10:39 AM (ET) (AP) Holland Township firefighters battle a blaze at the Clearview Apartment complex Wednesday... Full Image HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Authorities say a blaze that displaced dozens of people from a southwest Michigan apartment complex may have been sparked by a resident trying to cook a squirrel with a propane torch. Fire Chief Jim Kohsel tells MLive.com that the resident apparently planned to eat the animal and was burning off its fur on a third-floor deck at the building in Ottawa County's Holland Township when the fire broke out Wednesday. Flames spread to the roof. Kohsel says eight apartments are destroyed and others damaged. The resident's name wasn't immediately released. Kohsel says a firefighter broke a toe. No residents were injured. Resident Tiffany Camburn told The Holland Sentinel that she and her neighbors had to evacuate their apartments. The American Red Cross arranged temporary shelter and clothing for displaced residents.
I saw that article....It seems to fall under the stupidity of "I thought it was a good idea at the time" kind of insanity. It was remarkable that nobody got killed. It just goes to demonstrate the need for having a plan, training and the equipment to deal with fire at any time, but particularly when living in a multiple occupancy building. It should be realised that the safety of the whole can often be put at risk by the dangerous behaviour of the least competent and the most careless.
Ya, like it's soooo hard to skin a squirrel!! Geesh, makes me glad I don't live in an apartment anymore. Not that having neighbors almost within arms reach of my windows is any better
I do like my privacy, and can relate. 22 yrs in Navy, 17 on ships, I know well about lack of privacy. I also learned to abhor large population centers. I am so happy out in the woods. I can drive to town or a nearby city if I choose to. More often than not I am content to stay home.
I've always singed my squirrels before gutting when I plan on roasting them over open fire or on ashes. That way the meat stays moist and clean. At home I skin 'em and fry 'em. Love that tree bunny! I don't know what the guy in question did to start a major fire or why he did what he did. Accidents do happen and I'm certain that my wife's pal, "Mr. Safety", would disapprove of many of my activities. There but for the grace of God &c.
