Fire destroys Thunder Lake cottage.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP — A family cottage on Thunder Lake was destroyed by fire Monday night. Fire crews were dispatched to 6029 Trail Ridge Road shortly after 8:30 p.m. A resident who lives on the south side of the lake reported seeing flames on the north side of the lake. Fountain Area Fire Department and Free Soil/Meade Fire Department were initially called to the scene and reported the cottage fully engulfed in flames. Branch and Custer fire departments were called to also assist.

Owner Robert Osmalski of Manistee said his family had owned the cottage since 1974. He said he and family members had just spent the weekend at the cottage. Osmalski said he couldn’t speculate what might have started the fire.

Fountain Fire Chief Roger Berndt said the house was completely destroyed. Fire caused the floors and roof to collapse in. The cottage was located on an embankment, with access only by several flights of stairs, making firefighting more challenging, Berndt said.

Also responding to the scene were Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Free Soil/Meade Fire Department Auxiliary.