GRATTAN TOWNSHIP, Mich.— Firefighters are dealing with more fires because of the cold weather.

Friday morning, a pole barn fire threatened the lives of livestock inside.  Grattan Township Fire Chief Louis Kirkbride says the animals made it out safely before the fire was put out. It’s unclear what sparked the flames.

Kirkbride says the frigid temperatures gripping West Michigan are making it more difficult for crews to quickly extinguish fires.

 “It’s eight below right now, I do believe.  So fighting a fire is always a job,” he says.

Kirkbride offers this tip to homeowners: “It’s very cold out there.  People have a tendency to overload their woodstoves.  Don’t do that.  You’ll start a chimney fire.”

Kirkbride also encourages homeowners to closely watch the common causes of fires, including fireplaces, candles and portable heaters.

Snyder’s Request for Federal Disaster Assistance Approved

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LANSING, MICH. Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for a disaster declaration for Mecosta County, making low-interest disaster loans available to residents and businesses affected by severe flooding in late January and early February.

The declaration covers Mecosta County and the neighboring counties of Clare, Isabella, Lake, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola.

“I am pleased the Small Business Administration will provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the floods,” Snyder said. “The availability of these loans will bring some relief to those working to recover and rebuild.”

Updated closings at WZZM13.com