DETROIT – Two people were rushed to the hospital, and 12 others have been displaced after an apartment fire on Detroit’s west side.
The fire occurred on Thursday (April 3), at an apartment building located in the 17300 block of Southfield Freeway.
The Detroit Fire Department reported that the dozen displaced individuals were affected by smoke. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
Detroit Fire Department Battalion Chief Reginald Harper provided details about the incident.
“The fire alarm came in as a still, so an engine and a truck responded initially. Prior to their arrival, the engine companies called for a box alarm in an apartment building, which is classified as a commercial box alarm fire,” said Harper.
Two adults were transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital, and their injuries were not critical.
The fire was contained to one unit on the third floor of the 10-story apartment building, which serves as a senior high-rise.
Detroit firefighters assisted many seniors and disabled residents during the evacuation.
While the fire was contained, there was smoke and water damage to three floors on one side of the building.
“They reported that it was a fire on the third floor. Upon my arrival, the fire began stretching, and we had multiple people trying to evacuate from the senior citizens’ building,” Harper said.
Fortunately, most residents had relatives with whom they could stay.
The Red Cross has provided a hotel room for one resident with nowhere to go.
Detroit Fire Department Battalion Chief Reginald Harper talks senior citizens apartment fire:
