Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A home in Salem Township is a complete loss following a fire that was started by the homeowner using a blowtorch to burn weeds.

It happened Tuesday afternoon in the 6 Mile / Tower area, on Genson Street, with more than a dozen agencies responding.

WXYZ Detroit reports the man felt pesticides were more invasive so he used a propane torch to burn off some weeds. However, vegetation caught on fire, spread to a bush, and then up the back of the home. It’s been deemed a complete loss. There were no injuries reported.

The homeowner said he believed there was a malfunction with his water system, which was connected to WiFi.

Enroute Media was on scene, and has video on its Facebook page. That link is provided.

Adding to issues was a lack of hydrants in the area.

The Salem Township Fire Department said on social media that due to the rapidly advancing fire, it called on surrounding communities for assistance. “Dozens of fire apparatus were dispatched and despite the high heat and high temperatures, no injuries were reported and a cat was rescued!”

The Department further thanked the neighbors of Genson Street who helped shuttle firefighters up and down the street, and the following departments:

Northfield Township Fire Department
Northville & Plymouth Fire Department - NCFD
Northville Township Firefighters
South Lyon Fire Department
Lyon Township Fire Department
Ann Arbor Township Fire Department
Association of Novi Fire Fighters - ANFF
Plymouth Township Professional Firefighters
Superior Township Firefighters
Pittsfield Township Firefighters
Dexter Area Fire Department
Green Oak Charter Township Fire Department and Green Oak Firefighters
Michigan State Police
HART Huron Valley
DTE & Consumers Energy

Photo: Enroute Media