Portage, MI – Fire crews responded to an early morning structure fire Saturday at a home on Frederic Lane, with heavy flames reported around 3:45 a.m. near the I-94 corridor.
According to the Portage Department of Public Safety, the Portage Fire Division was dispatched to 4411 Frederic Lane in the Colonial Acres Trailer Park at approximately 3:45 a.m. on February 14, 2026, Saturday. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions coming from the residence.
Crews initiated an aggressive exterior-to-interior fire attack while simultaneously conducting a primary search for a possible occupant believed to be inside the home. With assistance from the Comstock Fire Department and Pavilion Township Fire Department, the fire was brought under control in about 45 minutes.
After completing searches of the structure, officers from the Portage Police Division contacted family members and confirmed the resident was not home at the time of the fire. Officials reported no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
“The rapid response of our crews and our automatic aid partners was pivotal in the successful management of this incident,” Battalion Chief Lou Playford said in a statement, crediting coordination among responding agencies.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Portage Fire Division also acknowledged support from the Texas Township Fire Department and Oshtemo Township Fire Department, which staffed Portage stations during the incident to maintain emergency coverage across the city in Kalamazoo County.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Portage Department of Public Safety at 269-329-4567 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
