Maple firefighter responds to blaze at own auto shop

A Maple firefighter responded to a blaze at his own auto shop Saturday night, hours after funeral services for his father.

Maple Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Lundeen told the Northland’s NewsCenter that crews from Maple, Brule and Poplar were called to the fire on Cemetery Road, just off U.S. Highway 2, at about 10:30 p.m. When they arrived on the scene, they found half of the building engulfed in flames.

Lundeen said it took about 20 minutes to get the fire under control.

He said the Maple firefighter who owns the building helped extinguish the flames; he used the building mostly for personal use, and also a little bit of business, Lundeen said.

“I’m pretty heartbroken for him, especially when his father just passed away,” Lundeen said. “We were at his funeral (Saturday) morning, and then this happened. It’s kind of a double whammy for him.”

The damage is estimated at $80,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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