Blaze guts Bayview shop

BAYVIEW – Fire destroyed a shop in Bayview on Sunday.

Recently built by Will and Connie Collins, the building on Perimeter Road near Collins Road contained a new 14-foot Crestliner boat, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, two snowmobiles and an all-terrain vehicle, which also were destroyed.

The alarm went out at about 2:30 p.m. to the Timberlake Fire District. The Spirit Lake Fire Department was called to assist with a large tanker truck.

The closest neighbor, David Vig, rushed to assist firefighters with his backhoe.

Will Collins praised Vig and the quick, massive response by firefighters, who kept the fire from spreading to his house.

Will Collins works in Alaska but was taking some time off from work.

His wife, Connie, works at the Conoco store in Athol.

Will Collins is the son of now-deceased parents, Carrol and Laura Collins, namesakes of Collins Road.

No dollar estimate of damages was available Sunday, but they were substantial.

The owners indicated they have insurance but were not sure whether the coverage will be enough for replacement.

When asked about the loss, Will Collins said: “It’s only things. Nobody got hurt. We saved for over seven years to buy these things, but we can start over.”