SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A fire broke out in an apartment complex in Southfield, with flames visible through the roof when firefighters arrived.
One person was treated for smoke inhalation after the fire on Monday (Dec. 22) in the 23000 block of Sutton Drive in Southfield.
Southfield firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack and successfully knocked down the fire, saving a significant portion of the building.
Officials said the fire started in a second-floor unit and caused damage to that unit and a neighboring unit.
Water damage affected two units below, resulting in four of the eight apartments in the building being damaged.
Officials said one person was treated for minor smoke inhalation.
All residents were accounted for and received the all-clear.
The Southfield Fire Department thanked the Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Farmington Hills fire departments for their assistance, as well as West Bloomfield Fire for covering Southfield while its units were engaged.
Residents displaced by the fire are in thought during the holiday season.
Fire Chief Joey Thorington talks apartment complex fire in Southfield
Southfield Fire Chief Joey Thorington provided details on the apartment complex fire in Southfield on Sutton Drive.
The fire was reported at 3:22 p.m. and involved an eight-unit complex, with flames and smoke visible through the roof upon arrival.
Thorington said fire crews made an aggressive interior attack and contained most of the fire to the unit where it started.
Four units were affected, with one significantly damaged and others suffering minor impacts or water damage.
Thorington said only one civilian was treated for minor smoke inhalation, and no firefighters were injured.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with fire prevention officials en route to investigate.
Assistance came from Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Farmington Hills fire departments, while West Bloomfield Fire covered Southfield during the response.
Thorington emphasized holiday fire safety, advising caution with extension cords, ensuring live trees are watered, and being mindful of holiday lighting and heating sources.
He urged residents to check smoke alarms and be vigilant during the season, as fires tend to spike.
The fire was classified as a two-alarm response due to the size of the complex and the potential risk to residents and firefighters.