Local Business Loses Barn to Structure Fire

A barn belonging to the McGrain Land Services of Howell was destroyed in a fire Thursday afternoon.

Howell and Hartland fire departments responded to the structure fire around 12:30 p.m., according to the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority Facebook page, and had the fire under control shortly after 1 p.m.

According to owner Melissa McGrain, the barn contained work equipment including trucks, air compressors and other tools, for the family business – McGrain Land Services. The barn itself was located just a short distance away from the family’s home. 

McGrain, who was home at the time with her youngest son, niece and nephew, says her dog alerted her to the fire when he wouldn’t stop barking. 

"The smoke was billowing black," McGrain said. 

Business and homeowner Jerry McGrain was also home at the time of the fire, and after calling 911 and getting the children to safety, Melissa McGrain says her husband was able to move the company's signature pink work truck, well-known throughout the community, to safety as well.

With seven fire trucks responding to the scene, McGrain says firefighters were able to contain the blaze quickly and the homes nearby were unaffected.

The Howell Fire Department was still on scene and unavailable for comment.