Fire damages Sherman Township house. 

Fire damages Sherman Township house. 

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — Four fire departments responded to a house fire early this morning at the John and Valerie Stapleton home, 1900 E. Sugar Grove Rd. 

Fountain Area Fire Department and Scottville Fire Department were dispatched at 1:54 a.m. Dispatch information stated the utility room of the two-story farmhouse was fully engulfed in flames. 

The fire, which was mostly contained to the first floor, caused major damage to the home, according to Fountain Area Fire Department Chief Jeremy Goble, adding that the occupants were able to get out safely but three cats were unaccounted for. Goble said the origin of the fire remains under investigation. 

Custer Fire Department and Branch Fire Department were also called to assist along with Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Fountain Fire Department Auxiliary. 

Goble said the home is insured. He said he had offered the services of American Red Cross and the Mason County Fire Relief Fund but the owners said it wasn’t necessary. 

Goble said a major challenge in fighting the fire was the lack of personnel. A total of 22 firefighters were on scene, about half of normal response. He said all local fire departments continually face challenges recruiting new personnel. 

Firefighters cleared the scene about 7:30 a.m. 

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