On May 20th around 3:20pm the first calls were going out about a fire at the Iron Mountain, Michigan Mobile Gas Station and attached Burger King. Immediately upon arrival, the IMFD knew they had a big fire and called for mutual support of the Breitung Township Fire Department. It is unclear as to why Kingsford didn't send a fire truck over to help, maybe they were busy or weren't asked..
I think it was posted some where that the first call came from "across the street"? I know Burger King was open, although some officials during the fire were unsure if they were even open at all. I'm not sure at what point did the employees even know the building was on fire..
I'm not saying anyone in the BK knew it was on fire, but on the other hand... How did no one know about it for so long? It is possible the exhaust fans were getting the smoke out of the building, that is the only reasonable explanation I can think of if that fire was burning for a long time before the call.
You can see on video (posted below) that the right side collapses first. How hot was that fire behind it?
You can see on the video below, the right side appears to give way and the rest comes down with it...
Below is the video I captured from the front of the store.. It shows the rescue of that firefighter after it collapses onto him.
Below is 18+ minutes of video that includes the above incident along with slow motion as the wall fell.. I'm sure most questions will be "how long was this fire burning"..?
A former employee tells me there was "issues" with the building that they tried to report but went unanswered..
I'm sure the local fire department will get to the bottom of what caused this huge fire that destroyed 2 businesses.
It was an epic fall color tour in the U.P. with Nashville recording artist Kevin B. Klein brought us to the Black Rocks of Presque Isle Park in Marquette, Michigan to watch the sunset.
We were there filming a music video for his new song called "My Michigan" that reflected on many things we saw on this trip!
Looking out onto the water we saw a strange object that appeared to reach the sky.. It looked almost like a giant mast of a ghost ship lost in time!
Some have even said they think it looks like Jesus walking on water holding his staff.. While I think that is a little much, it still allows your mind to wonder as you search for answers of what you just saw.. What was it?
I posted a ton of FALL COLOR photos that I took on my journey across upper Michigan with Kevin B Klein Music!
The $14,000 that was raised during this years 12th Annual Veteran Tribute Ride was given away today at Big 10 Sports Bar in Quinnesec, Michigan!
A major success that will benefit local Veterans all over this area.. Watch (below) as each organization accepts their donation and hear what this money will go towards helping!
Not too far off of Highway 41, down a snow covered road near Eben Junction you'll find a parking lot right in front of someones house in the middle of a huge field. There is a line of portable toilets for those in need, they also have a concession stand set up for a quick snack before/after your long hike.
One new item they have that you will want are ICE CLEATS for just $7 ($13 deposit that you'll get back). They are well worth it and after watching people who didn't get them, you'll know why.. Also prepare yourself for a long hike with lots of hills along the way, you may even wind up with the wrong end up.
Vulcan, Michigan - Homeowners Mark and Mindy (not their real names) decided it was time to remodel their bathroom in this 100+ yr old mining era home. What they found behind the wall was an incredible find!!
Upon removing the wooden slats that were behind the plaster walls, we started finding books under where the medicine cabinet was located. Years of leaking water had taken its toll on much of it.. But not all of it...
(ABOVE) Dates from the late 1800's and early 1900's? If only these were in perfect condition..
(BELOW) "World Progress" dated July 31, 1932 was inside an envelope that protected it...
(BELOW) This book of music titled "Popular Anthems" from the early 1900's..
While these books were awesome to find, some of the local history found was incredible. This hand written letter is about the "History of Norway Township" but unfortunately only a few pages are left.. Still an incredible find!
A notebook keeping tabs on cattle, milk and other sales shows how much the cost of living was back in those early mining days.
Speaking of the early mining days...
Check this out dated in 1921!
We also found a different assortment of items like this advertisement of some sort, maybe for an orange juice company?
Check out this old photo also in the wall..
An old rice bag, it appears to be from Japan..
The best part was found last.. When I put my hand on it, I knew immediately it was a rock. As I pulled my hand out, I couldn't believe it!
One side is flat as if it was mined right out of a smooth wall, the other side is what dreams are made of.. I can't believe this was in the wall!
Possibly Smokey Quartz?
Or is it Amethyst?
The big question is WHERE was it found?
What an incredible find!
Keep this in mind the next time you remodel that old house that dates back to the early mining days in upper Michigan. You never know what you might find....
