Just before 9 pm this evening (Sunday), a next door neighbor noticed a bright glow from a south window. Meredith Szostek’s residence was in flames. Meredith was the only person in the house at the time. She heard a bang coming from the kitchen “like something fell.” At that point she became aware of the flames and crawled out the front door onto her deck. Kyle Main, the neighbor to the north, was able to help her. Although the rescue squad joined the multiple fire vehicles, their help was unneeded. Meredith was cared for at the McCarthy’s and by various neighbors who offered practical help and their moral support.
An investigation will follow. Although there is no official cause at this point, the fire may have started in the area of the kitchen. The furnace and hot water heater are located nearby.
Meredith Szostek’s house is located at 760 Lakeview West. To the south side is the Pearse cottage at 756 Lakeview West, also known as the Tamiami Lodge. They were not there at the time. As you will see in the photos, their place was also damaged, but not as severely as Meredith’s home.
Four fire departments responded
Four fire departments answered the call—Columbia, Napoleon, Liberty and Blackman. Columbia Township Police were also on the scene.
Location of house on Google Maps:
Am So Very Sorry, Sheila Soto from San Antonio, Tx raised at Clarklake
Meredith, so sorry to hear about your house but so glad you are safe. We’re thinking about you and saying a prayer for you??
Ruth & Brian Harrington
Mac, my heart goes out to you, what an awful life event, I am so glad , however, that you my dear friend are safe ! Prayers and good juju for you!
Pat White McGrath
So glad you’re okay, Meredith!! Everything in that house is replaceable, you are not! So glad you made it out safe <3
Meredith, so sorry to hear about this horrific event in your life. Happy you were able to get out ok & that you have so many kind neighbors/friends to help you out. You are loved.
So sorry Merdith, glid your ok.Mary Minak Webs mom..
Meredith sweetheart I love you. Only you could do what you did to get out of there. Steve