A Michigan father, John Biermaker, ran back into his burning Middleville home on Dec. 21 to rescue his daughter, Cali, after learning she was still inside. Both were hospitalized in intensive care: John with second- and third-degree burns covering more than half his body, and Cali with about 16.5% burns plus smoke inhalation. Firefighters arrived minutes after the 8:36 a.m. dispatch but could not save the house; family members say an animal may have fallen into the chimney and ignited the active fireplace. A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family as John faces a long recovery.
Michigan Father Rushes Back Into Burning Home to Save Daughter; Both Hospitalized, Home Destroyed
GoFundMeJohn Biermaker
A Michigan father, John Biermaker, ran back into his burning Middleville home on the morning of Dec. 21 after discovering his young daughter, Cali, was still inside, according to family members and local reports. Both father and daughter were taken to intensive care with burn injuries; the house was destroyed in the blaze.
Thornapple Township Emergency Services says firefighters were dispatched at 8:36 a.m. and arrived within about three minutes, but crews were unable to save the structure. Photos shared by ABC affiliate WZZM show the charred remains reduced to a pile of debris.
Michelle Holsey, Biermaker's fiancée, told WZZM and organizers of a GoFundMe set up for the family that everyone initially escaped the home after Holsey's alarmed screams, but they soon realized Cali — who had been sleeping upstairs — was missing. According to the fundraiser, Biermaker immediately ran back inside, climbed the hot stairs and rescued his daughter, repeatedly stumbling as he carried her down.
“We didn’t see Cali, so he just didn’t think twice. Just booked it up the hot stairs,” Holsey said.
Both were admitted to intensive care. The GoFundMe update reports that more than half of John’s body sustained second- and third-degree burns, while Cali suffered burns covering about 16.5% of her body and smoke inhalation. Holsey said Cali was resting and relatively stable, while John faces significant pain and extensive treatment.
Family members said the fire department told them a burning animal may have fallen down the chimney and ignited the home's active fireplace, allowing the blaze to spread quickly through the structure. Investigators and the family have not released further details beyond initial reports and the GoFundMe update.
Community Support and Recovery
The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills and living expenses after the total loss of their home just before the holidays. Organizers and neighbors have praised John’s actions, calling him a hero for risking his life to save his child.
What’s next: John is expected to face a long recovery that may include multiple surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing medical care. The family asks for privacy as they focus on recovery and for any support people can provide through the fundraiser.
