FRUITPORT TWP., MI - About 30 dogs died in a fire at a West Michigan boarding kennel early Friday morning, with many of their owners out of town on spring break.

The fire was reported in the 6900 block of East Mount Garfield Road around 4:41 a.m. March 30, said Brian Michelli, public safety director for Fruitport Township. Storm's Ahead Kennels describes itself as "your dog's vacation resort." It's located between Muskegon and Grand Rapids.

The kennel was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on the scene, Michelli said.

"There was no ability to do a rescue," he said.

The kennel owners live on the property, he said. One of the home occupants got up to use the restroom and noticed the fire's "glow," Michelli said.

It was obvious the fire had been burning for some time while the owners were sleeping, he said.

"When we pulled in, the structure was fully engulfed and there was a partial collapse," he said.

Spring break began Friday for most schools in the area. The kennel was full due to spring break, and the kennel owners were starting to contact the dog's owners, Michelli said.

"Obviously, it's very traumatizing for them," he said.

The kennel's website lists the owners as Janet Rehfus and Michael Weiden.

Firefighters may never know what caused the fire, Michelli said, adding that it is not considered suspicious.

The area is not served by hydrants, and the Crockery Township and Egelston Township fire departments assisted with tankers, Michelli said. Canteen 450 out of Norton Shores also responded to support firefighters at the scene.