SOUTHGATE, Mich. – Southgate Fire Chief Justin Graves provided an update on the massive fire that crews were battling at a senior living facility.
Graves confirmed there were no known injuries or fatalities as of 2 a.m.
“We are still actively trying to put out the fire, and the origin is going to be under investigation,” said Graves. “We don’t know yet how it started, but everyone is accounted for. We are accounting for everybody right now. We don’t know of anybody missing.”
Graves praised the efforts of first responders on the scene.
“It’s an incredible effort by everyone on scene. All the police, all the fire that showed up on scene, putting their life on the line to run in there to get all these people out. Hats off to them.”
Graves said multiple communities responded to assist, including all of Downriver, including Detroit.
The fire reached the attic and spread rapidly, according to Graves, making it difficult to control.
“It got up into the attic, and then it started like the building next door, and there’s no stopping it once it got up in the attic. Now we’re just chasing the fire,” Graves said.
Graves said crews were battling the second fire at a senior living facility in the same area in recent years.
“It happened actually in October a few years ago, same time. Everyone’s saying it’s wild. It’s almost an identical building, too. It’s an unsprinkled attic, and that’s the problem,” Graves said.
Graves said the building’s design posed challenges for evacuation.
“It’s very challenging because they need assistance getting out of the building. And once you get them out, where do they go? Because this is their home now,” Graves said.
All residents were being evacuated to the Southgate Senior Center, with the Red Cross on site to provide support and shelter.
Graves expressed gratitude that no injuries or deaths have been reported so far.
“I’m completely thankful. It’s a miracle if it stays that way,” Graves said.
Graves confirmed that, as in the previous fire, first responders arrived quickly, and some police officers entered the building before firefighters to begin evacuations.
Regarding the building’s condition, Graves said, “There’s extensive damage done to the third floor and attic. It’s still dark out, so I can’t make that assessment, but there’s definitely heavy damage. Residents will not be returning anytime soon.”
The fire call came in around 10 p.m. and was immediately treated as a box alarm, summoning multiple communities to respond.
For families seeking information about loved ones, Graves advised contacting the Southgate Senior Center, located at 14700 Reaume Parkway, phone number 734-258-3066, where evacuees were being cared for.
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