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Houghton County Sheriff’s Department personnel were called to a house fire at 48368 Jefferson Street in Portage Township at 7:45 Tuesday morning. Hurontown Fire and Rescue also responded.
By the time emergency crews arrived one of the renters at the residence had already helped to contain much of the flames using a garden hose. Outside of water damage, only the upstairs level was harmed by the blaze. The fire started after a propane torch let off a startling flame upon being lit. The operator dropped it reflexively and the torch quickly ignited the carpet and surrounding items.
The man operating the torch suffered burns to his right hand and forearm as he attempted to put out the fire. All other tenants and housepets escaped without injury. Crews were on scene until late morning.
