OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A fatal fire at an Oakland County apartment complex has left one woman dead, four people hurt, and 16 without homes.
The fire occurred on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in the 25000 block of Southfield Road in Southfield, which claimed the life of a 73-year-old woman.
Three additional residents with non-life-threatening injuries, and one firefighter sustained a minor injury while combating the flames at the 17-unit condominium complex.
Investigators visited the complex on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, to determine what caused the fire at the Le Chateau apartments, which was called in at 2:13 p.m. on Monday.
Officials say fire crews encountered smoke and flames that had already self-vented from the rear of the building.
Six OAKWAY mutual aid fire departments, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Madison Heights, and Royal Oak Fire Departments, were provided as the fire intensified.
The blaze, believed to have started in a second-story apartment, quickly spread, causing the roof to collapse and damaging or destroying 32 apartment homes.
Michigan has recorded 78 fire-related deaths within 75 fires as of Nov. 1, 2024, representing a 17% decrease compared to 2017-2023; among the victims, 63% were men, 37% were women of those who perished, and 73% were between 40 and 79 years old.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee urges all community members to ensure that their homes and businesses have working smoke detectors and to consider installing fire sprinkler systems to reduce fire risks.
