Press release

At about 2 a.m. Thursday, troopers from the Calumet Post responded to 43655 Willson Memorial Drive in Chassell Township for a structure fire with reports of people still inside the home.

A subsequent investigation led to troopers speaking with the 911 caller Gary Steinhoff, who advised he was driving southbound on Willson Memorial Drive when he noticed what appeared to be active flames. 

He initially thought it was a campfire, but turned around and realized it was the front porch of the residence that was on fire. Steinhoff called 911 to report it and continued past the flames to knock on the door to notify the homeowners. Steinhoff said his attempts at the front door were unsuccessful and he continued to knock on windows until the residents were awakened. 

The tenants were safely removed from the home by jumping out of a first-floor window.

The MSP would like to thank Steinhoff for his actions in this incident. Chassell Township Fire Department along with Hurontown Fire Department were able to extinguish the fire. Semco and UPPCO also assisted on scene.

No foul play is suspected.