An overnight fire has heavily damaged the state’s largest deer-processing plant that’s known for its iconic meat market. The fire began early Friday morning at the Country Smoke House in Lapeer County’s Almont Township and spread quickly through the business. Owner Steve Francis says it’s been a hard week.
“Last week Tuesday, I had a heart attack,” said Francis, who says his father died just days later. “We just buried him today. We got the call when we were up north burying his body, and just came back and this is what we got. I got kicked in the teeth three times this week.”
Firefighters from six departments extinguished the fire in about two hours. Francis plans to rebuild, noting his family has spent 30 years tied to the business. The company is known for the jerky and sausages sold at its meat market. The fire occurred just after the start of deer hunting season, and officials say it doesn’t appear suspicious.
The Associated Press and Michigan News Network contributed to this report.
