BARRY COUNTY, Mich. — On Grove and East Orchard Street in Delton, a fire engulfed Smith & Doster, a family-owned auto shop. Crews battled the flames for hours.
Witnesses provided photos and videos showing just how large the flames grew, as neighbors at the scene said the fire broke out between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Monday morning.
The Delton Fire Department responded to the scene with help from neighboring departments.
Crews were unable to provide details at the scene on Monday, as they continued to work on the buildings smoking remains into the afternoon.
Neighbors who were present say the business has been a beloved part of the community since 1922.
"Smith and Doster, I've been here all my life," said Shirley Woods, who says he has been a customer at the shop since the 1970s. "It's losing years of tradition."
Woods added that he hopes to see the family rebuild.
Brett Sanford also witnessed the fire soon after it broke out, and says he could feel the heat from the other side of the street.
"I pulled in and I rolled down my window across the street, just to feel pretty intense heat coming off," said Sanford.
Nearby Delton-Kellogg Schools closed for the day as a result of the fire out of an "abundance of caution," according to the superintendent.
Superintendent Jeremy Wright provided the following statement:
"We closed out of an abundance of caution due to the fire at Smith & Doster. The DK Staff was absolutely amazing at organizing the dismissal of our students. Thanks to our police and fire for always answering their phones and providing guidance. Our heart goes out to the family that runs Smith and Doster and we hope they rebuild stronger than ever. Delton is a resilient community."
This story is developing, and this story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
