A fire Monday afternoon destroyed a home in the Sherman Oaks manufactured home community in Rives Township.
Firefighters arrived just before noon to find flames engulfing the house. Rives Township Fire Chief Bryon Daraedt said the home was packed with belongings, making the fire difficult to control. The roof eventually collapsed, and the home was declared a total loss.
The homeowner and two dogs escaped safely, and the Red Cross is providing assistance. No nearby homes were damaged.
Crews battled the fire for five hours. While the cause is still under investigation, officials believe it started on the back porch. Multiple area fire departments assisted in the response.
