Update (11:57 a.m.): M-15 now open, police say

MILLINGTON, MI -- Fire engulfed a bakery in downtown Millington as firefighters rushed to save surrounding buildings, a witness reports.

Millington resident Laurie Taylor said she woke to the sound of a smoke detector about 3 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at her house near the burning Sweet Southern Spice Bakery near the corner of Main and State (M-15), a block away.

"When I went outside, Millington (Fire Department) was on scene and attacking the auto parts store. The bakery was fully engulfed," she said.

The bakery was a total loss, she said. Equipment has been brought in to demolish the burned structure, she said.

M-15 remained shut down as of 7:30 a.m. as emergency responders worked at the scene, the Tuscola County Sheriff's Department reported. Police ask motorists to avoid the area Wednesday morning.

"We are super thankful to all of the departments responding because this town has very old buildings, and they have been able to save the buildings on either side," Taylor said.

The bakery was in business for a few months, she said. Apartments above the bakery were destroyed also. Taylor said she did not know of any injuries from the fire.