IRONWOOD, MI— A flower shop in Ironwood was gutted by a fire that began late Tuesday night.
At 11:36 p.m., a resident called 911 to report smoke coming from Lutey’s Flower Shop. When they arrived, Ironwood Public Safety officers saw flames on the ground level and in the basement. Because of the close proximity of power lines and several other structures, they requested additional assistance from Xcel Energy and the Hurley Fire Department.
Officers saw the business owner’s residence, which is only about five feet south of the shop, filling with smoke. They woke up the owner and evacuated her to a safe location.
Fire crews started battling the fire from the interior of the structure, but the first floor caved in and flames spread to the second floor, forcing them to attack the fire from the outside.
They fought the fire for about five hours. Crews not only protected the surrounding structures but part of a greenhouse that was attached to the building.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Also assisting in the incident were the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Beacon Ambulance, and Victim Services.
