Historical Hopkins Lake home declared a loss after fire.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

SUMMIT TOWNSHIP – The fire that destroyed a historical home on Hopkins Lake Wednesday started around a wall mounted heater, Riverton Township Fire Chief Joe Cooper said. The home, located at 5353 W. Kinney Road, was declared a total loss. It is owned by Pam Cole Atwood, Cooper said.

“The pilot light was on but no one is sure if the furnace tried to run,” Cooper said. Temperatures Wednesday were in the mid-70s. “The family tried to put out the fire with a garden hose but was unable to as it spread quickly.”

Cooper said the family was able to retrieve some pictures that were stored in tubs, but most of the contents were lost. He said the cabin is possibly the last of the original homes that were built on Hopkins Lake.

Cooper said he will not be calling in an inspector, but the family’s insurance provider will be investigating to determine a cause. “I don’t see any reason to suspect anything but an accident,” Cooper said.

A family friend has started a Gofundme.com fundraising page for the family. Access it here.

Cooper was the first to arrive on the scene, only about 5 minutes after Riverton and Pere Marquette fire departments were dispatched.

“There were heavy flames and heavy smoke when I arrived,” Cooper said. “I have been told that this house is likely the last of the original cabins on Hopkins Lake.”

Mason County Sheriff Sgt. Adam Lamb said he was told that the occupants were on the beach at the lake when they discovered the home was on fire. Ludington and Hamlin fire departments were also called to assist, along with Life EMS, Mason County Sheriff’s Office and American Red Cross.