The blaze, described as 'major' knocked out power to the community and caused school closures.

The building, located at East Mill in Hanover in the Barry County town, was a total loss. It was abandoned, but developers were looking to convert the structure into apartments. It was built in the 19th century.

5,000 Consumers Power customers were without power as a result of the blaze, which destroyed a major line. Because of road closures and transportation issues, several school districts in the region closed for the day. 

The building, known locally as the Royal Coach building, housed various manufacturing firms over the years. No cause for the blaze been determined at this time.

Lt. Lani Forbes of the Freeport Fire Department, one of several to fight the blaze, told WZZM-13 News, "We could see the glow, as we were coming out of Freeport. It's a very large, intense fire."

 

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