Longtime Harrison Motel Ravaged by Fire

By ANGELA KELLOGG-HENRY

Cleaver Managing Editor

HARRISON-At 3:58 p.m. Saturday, July 5, a fire was reported at the Wagon Wheel Motel, 4294 N. Clare Ave. north of Harrison in Hayes Township. The Harrison Community Fire Department responded, and mutual aid was provided by Clare, Surrey, Lincoln, Gladwin, Beaverton and Garfield fire departments, as well as MMR ambulance, EMD-1 and the Clare County Sheriff Department. Chief Damvelt of the Harrison Fire Department told the Cleaver he was grateful for the support of the surrounding departments and that they used more than 152,000 gallons of water on the scene. Damvelt noted the building is older with no construction fire stops, enabling the fire to spread quickly.

Jerry Becker, Clare County EMD, reported in a statement that the owner suffered severe burns to his feet and hands but out of the 12 units all 26 residents were safe and accounted for after the fire. The American Red Cross is providing services at the Hayes Township Hall for seven of the residents and their pets. The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance replacing medication, medical devices and connecting individuals to community services. Becker stated the most important current need is to get them into stable housing.

In his statement Becker also thanked the Harrison community for the outpouring of support and all the responding fire departments, American Red Cross, Clare County Sheriff’s Department, MMR, Clare County Transit, Hayes Township, McDonalds of Harrison, Chuck’s Shop and Save, and many others.

The Harrison Moose Lodge 2235 in Harrison has established an account for those displaced by the fire. They can be reached at 989-539-1501. Donations to the American Red Cross are also encouraged.

Owners Vern and Cathy Stephison’s main concern is that the tenants are care taken care of and find places to live. Vern suffered from second-degree burns on his hands and left side, and fourth-degree burns on both feet. He is home but under the continued care of the burn center in Flint.

Despite the fire occurring over a busy holiday weekend, many organizations and individuals stepped up to assist the displaced residents during and after the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

© Clare County Cleaver