Five cabins destroyed in resort fire

Fire crews battle a fire at the Pottawattamie Resort in Hagar Township (Photo courtesy Mark Parren; November 11, 2012).

Winds, lack of hydrants aided spread of flames

Updated: Monday, 12 Nov 2012, 8:01 AM EST
Published : Sunday, 11 Nov 2012, 9:44 PM EST

HAGAR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Many southwestern Michigan fire departments were dispatched to douse a fire that sparked at a resort in Berrien County.

WNDU reports five guest cabins were destroyed at the Pottawattamie Resort in Hagar Township around 6:15 p.m. Sunday.

Firefighters said a guest in one of the cabins heard a crackling noise before seeing large flames. The resident attempted to extinguish the blaze by using several pans of water, but was unsuccessful. He then called 911.

The flames were fueled by strong winds and a lack of fire hydrants at the resort, and the cabins were on cinder blocks, posing yet another challenge to firefighters.

Embers blew under the cabins, igniting dry leaves to help spread the flames at the resort north of Benton Harbor.

WNDU says North Berrien, Watervliet, Hartford, Lawrence, Covert Township, Benton Township, Lincoln Charter Township, Royalton Township, South Haven and Paw Paw Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene.

The cabin guest who called 911 suffered minor burns on his arms. A firefighter suffered smoke inhalation.

The resort, which is situated along the shore of Lake Michigan, has been a staple point in the community since the early 1900s.

Five cabins destroyed in resort fire

Winds, lack of hydrants aided spread of flames

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