Area firefighters were exceptionally busy Saturday night doing what they often do, but more often lately.

The Hopkins Area Fire Department was summoned at about 5 p.m. to a structure fire in Watson Township. Allegan Fire District and Martin Township Fire & Rescue assisted with automatic mutual aid. Otsego Fire Department also was called for additional manpower and tankers.

The HAFD then was alerted to another structure fire at about 5:30 in Hopkins Township. The Wayland Fire Department handled the incident as part ofautomatic mutual aid. Salem Fire and Martin fire were also called to assist on the Hopkins Township Fire.

Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services – WAEMS provided medical standby at both calls. Salem Fire also provided manpower to the Hopkins Fire by standing by the Hopkins station in case any additional calls came in.

Leighton Township Fire covered for Wayland Fire at Wayland’s station and Alamo Fire filled in at the Otsego station.

A spokesperson for the HAFD said, “We would like to thank all of our great mutual aid departments for all of their assistance last night and the great work that they provided at both calls. We would also like to thank Allegan County Central Dispatch for all of their help with the calls as well.

“Our condolences goes out to the families affected by both fires last night.”