A soon to be demolished cottage served as a training ground for Columbia Township firefighters yesterday evening (Tues 11/14). They were joined by fellow firefighters from Liberty and Addison in the 8800 area of North Shore Drive.
In this video, you’ll learn about what firefighters encounter when entering a smoke-filled structure and important steps occupants can take to save lives in case of fire.
The event was organized under the command of Columbia Township Fire Chief Scott Cota.
Chief Cota
Location as depicted on Google Maps.
Three structures will make way for new construction at the site. This website’s Spirit Cam will remain focused on the area, as the process moves forward. You can watch the Spirit Cam and the DamCam from the main page of this website. Both operate 24/7 with views of Clark Lake, thanks to contributions from Mike McKay (paid for the cameras), the Beach Bar (hosts the DamCam), and Columbia Township and Police (hosts the Spirit Cam).
The house that is about to be demolished was owned when I was young by Dr. Fritz VanWagnen and his wife Louise. They had two children, Jim and Kay. Dr. Van had one of the first double decker rafts on the lake, made from old 55-gallon drums with cone shaped ends on each bow set of drums which made it more streamlined. The kids repurposed the raft into a money making vehicle by diving for coke bottles left in the lake. We returned the bottles to Bill’s in Brooklyn or Hop’s for 2 cents which was then used to purchase more gas for the motor. Mrs. Van is best remembered by me for her German Chocolate cake and her use of the term “kiddos”. Later, the property was owned by the Frahm’s, Bob and Judy. It became a stopping point for a pit stop or just to say, “hi” while on one of those 5 pm afternoon cruises. Sometimes the simple passing of a building will invoke memories of good times together with friends at Clark Lake.
Excellent video and very educational. Food for thought for all of us. Thank you Chief Cota.
Thank you Rick for all the info you provide all of us at Clark’s Lake, and thanks to our great hard-working firefighters for educating us with safety tips in our homes.
While I love how these guys showed up to our house when we needed it it took 9 mins for our house to have fire coming out second story and while we got out it was nothing but black streaming smoke and we could not see to even get to the door you have no time to grab anything.. it’s scary and heartbreaking but when you see these fire fighters in action it is truly awe inspiring.. keep up the great work..