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Calumet’s Village Council held an emergency session Monday evening to provide an update on the Fifth Street fire. Public comment was surprisingly limited, as no one who lived at the affected properties was present. The theatre ballroom had several dozen attendees, including representatives of the Keweenaw National Historical Park [Initially written as Heritage Park]. They pledged to offer any support possible, as did the offices of United States Senator Gary Peters, United States Representative Jack Bergman, and State Representative Greg Markkanen. The Portage Health Foundation expressed similar sentiments.
A round of applause was given when a resident suggested that the village take the opportunity to clean up the site of the fire on Seventh Street from a couple years ago in a proper fashion. Volunteer firefighters in attendance were given a standing ovation.
Village officials talked about introducing stronger barricades that will completely encompass the scene of the fire. Manager Caleb Katz said he had been in contact with Houghton’s Eric Waara on how to recover from such a catastrophic incident. Talking to Keweenaw Report after the meeting had concluded, Katz said he talked to others as well.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is expected to begin its investigation today, in conjunction with the state Fire Marshall. Katz said he did not know the extent to which the agency has deployed resources to the scene.
