Covington Gas Station Destroyed by Fire

Environmental remediation is beginning this afternoon, following the fire that destroyed the gas station at the intersection of US-141 and M-28 just north of Covington.

The early-morning blaze burned out the building that served as a store and office. State officials on the scene at mid-day credited quick response by the Covington Township Fire Department for preventing the flames from spreading to the pumps and underground tanks.

A tank inspector from the Michigan State Fire Marshal’s office was set to oversee removal of gasoline and diesel fuel, to assure there would be no leakage. Propane exchange tanks had been safely removed from the outside edge of the building, and were awaiting pickup.

An additional inspector from the Fire Marshall’s office is expected to try to determine the cause of the blaze.

The fire was reported around 4 a.m. Covington firefighters vacated the scene just after noon.

A new owner had taken possession of the business in early June.

The Covington Junction station has been a popular stopping point for years, both for local residents exiting and re-entering the Copper Country, and for visitors.

It was also an oasis in a gas station “desert.” The nearest stations are 17 miles to the north, on US-41 in L’Anse, 23 miles to the south on US-141 in Amasa, 34 miles to the west on M-28 in Bruce Crossing, and 22 miles to the east on US-41/M-28 in Michigamme.