Merrill, MI (October 16, 2023) - A woman in her 50s was discovered dead in her burning Saginaw County home by firefighters on Saturday evening, October 14.

The Jonesfield-Lakefield Fire Department was called to the 100 block of Clark Street in Merrill about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night. When they arrived, flames were bursting through the ceiling. According to eyewitnesses, one woman remained trapped in the home when firemen arrived. After the blaze was extinguished, firefighters went into the residence, but they didn't locate anybody, according to Fire Chief Don Kilgore.

After searching the property for a second time, firefighters discovered a 50-year-old woman dead in the breezeway between her home and garage. Per their initial investigation, the woman was the only one home at the time of the incident.

The inquiry into the fire's cause will continue in the meantime.

Our sincere condolences are extended to the deceased woman's loved ones.