House in Norrie burns early Tuesday morning

IRONWOOD - An early Tuesday morning fire that severely damaged a house at 324 E. Oak St, in Norrie Location sent the homeowner to the hospital.

The Ironwood Public Safety Department reported Cheryl Graykowski, 55, was transported by Beacon Ambulance to Aspirus Grand View Hospital following the initial 3:15 a.m. report of the fire.

She was treated and released. The IPSD received a 6:15 a.m. report of "suspicious activity" three hours after the fire. An officer found that Graykowski and members of her family were burying pets that died in the fire in the backyard at the residence.

At least three pets died in the fire, but some puppies were saved, according to initial reports.

Three people escaped the fire. Other people in the house at the time of the fire were listed on the report as Anthony Holmes, 28, of the same address, and Brittney Montgomery, 26, of Bessemer.

The fire was called in by a neighbor, Roxanne Harmon, of 320 E. Oak St. She said the east side of the house, where the fire apparently started, was engulfed in flames.

It took the fire department just four minutes to arrive at the scene, according to a department report.

Two on-duty IPSD officers, six off-duty officers and two volunteer firefighters were on the scene for two hours on a warm summer night.

IPSD fire officer Brandon Snyder said the fire started in a room on the east side of the house, but he had not determined an official cause. The deceased pets were in that room.

When firefighters arrived, the entire first floor of the structure was in flames.

The fire was brought under control by 3:48 a.m.

IPSD Director Andrew DiGiorgio said the house received extensive damage and is believed to be a total loss.

There was no insurance on the house.

The house is near a dead end to the street. Other nearby structures did not appear to be damaged.