A Blair Township auto shop is a total loss after a fire raged on the property for several hours Friday.

The fire broke out shortly after 11:30am Friday morning in a back part of the property used for salvage. Crews responded and began battling the blaze, which continued to build in intensity as it spread and consumed airbags and other automotive parts. Emergency personnel had to shut down M-37 between Blair Town Hall Road and Vance Road and reroute traffic for most of Friday afternoon in order to get water from an access point across the road over to the business. Crews were able to save some front office footage, but the rest of the auto shop was a total loss.

No employees were reported injured in the blaze. One firefighter was taken to Munson Medical Center for observation, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Gene's Auto Parts has been in operation since 1958. It is described as the largest salvage yard in northern Michigan. The company operates a second location in Cadillac.

Photo credit: Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office