Firefighter’s home damaged by blaze

For the second time in less than a week, a firefighters home has been severely damaged by fire. Four area fire departments responded to a fire in northern Lapeer County’s village of Clifford just before noon Wednesday.The fire was at the home of Jim Rye, a firefighter with the Burlington Township Fire Department. Rye, who works in Marlette, responded to the fire, but not as a firefighter.

He and his wife will be staying with relatives until other arrangements can be made. Firefighters from Marlette, Kingston, and North Branch Township assisted Burlington Township firefighters at the scene.

No one was at home at the time of the fire and the cause remains under investigation.

Earlier in the week, Sebewaing Chief Matt Bumhoffer’s home was destroyed by fire.