Dec 20, 2016 1 min read

Icy conditions early Saturday prevented firefighters from several departments from saving a Robinson house that caught fire from destruction.

According to McDonald police, emergency responders were dispatched at 12:30 a.m. to 1457 Candor Road, Robinson Township, for report of a structure fire. Homeowners Richard McAfee and Kimberly McLaughlin said they woke up to a fire alarm going off and saw the house filled with black smoke. They grabbed their cat and vacated safely.

When firefighters arrived, the house was engulfed in flames. Members of fire departments from McDonald, Midway, Sturgeon and Slovan responded, but were unable to get to the home due to the steep slope of the driveway and icy conditions. McDonald police said hoses from the trucks couldn’t reach the house, which is a total loss.

No one was injured. Police said the fire is not suspicious. The homeowners told authorities they believe a Christmas tree was the cause.