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FIREFIGHTERS

West Bloomfield police provide peer-to-peer support for first responders

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – First responders have some of the most stressful jobs that exist and, over time, that work can really take its toll -- emotionally and mentally. To help these responders work through their experiences, the West Bloomfield Police Department decided to tap some of their own to lend a hand. The department created a peer-to-peer support group, taking seven leaders in the department and training them to offer mental and emotional support. And if any of the peer support team members feel someone’s safety is at risk, they can call in the professionals. For West Bloomfield, that’s psychologist Melanie Schwartz.

Families forced out of homes after fire erupts at apartment building in Garden City

GARDEN CITY, Mich. – Firefighters from multiple cities spent hours Wednesday night at the Bentley Square Apartments in Garden City after fire broke out in a first floor apartment. Investigators are still working on a cause as 911 callers believed it was electrical and started on a back patio. Firefighters went inside immediately to make sure everyone was out and started an interior attack on the blaze. We had to go defensive because it got inside the walls... and up in the second and third floor,” said Garden City fire Lt. Daniel Neault. “My apartment is completely trashed with smoke damage, water damage and fire damage if it hit there,” said Taylor Sheldon.

Ann Arbor Fire Department saves 120-year-old downtown building

ANN ARBOR – Quick response from the Ann Arbor Fire Department saved a downtown building on Tuesday, according to Ann Arbor Fire Chief Mike Kennedy. The 120-year-old building was built with balloon framing, which features multiple void spaces on the structure’s upper levels. According to Kennedy, these spaces allow fire to spread rapidly. “There were a lot of void spaces and multiple roofs.”Located just blocks from the Ann Arbor Fire Station, firefighters were able to aggressively respond to stop the fire from spreading. Located next to the Delonis Center, Washtenaw County’s homeless shelter, Ann Arbor Police believe that homeless individuals may have unintentionally started the blaze in the carport area.

Rochester Hills home catches fire for the second time in less than a month

A photo of a Rochester Hills home on fire on Jan. 23, 2021. ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – On Friday night, firefighters worked to put out a fire in the 2700 block of Hickory Lawn in Rochester Hills. When firefighters arrived the home was fully engulfed in flames with heavy fire showing through the roof. Most of the bungalow style roof collapsed during the fire. According to the Rochester Hills Fire Department, the same home caught fire less than a month ago on Christmas Eve.

Hundreds of boats damaged as multiple crews battle Monroe County marina fire

LA SALLE, Mich. – Dozens of fire crews battled a three-alarm fire Friday Morning at the Toledo Beach Marina in La Salle. ORIGINAL STORY: Video: Large fire burns at Toledo Beach Marina in Monroe CountyDec. 7 update: Fire chief: Cause of Toledo Beach Marina fire may never be determinedThe fire was called in just before 7 a.m. By noon, firefighters were able to get some of the flames under control, but there was still significant smoke from the area. At one point, the smoke was so thick, the flashing emergency lights of first responders could barely be seen. An entire building filled with hundreds of boats was nearly destroyed on the shore of Lake Erie. Despite being on the shore of Lake Erie, crews were unable to get enough water to battle the fire properly.

Video: Large fire burns at Toledo Beach Marina in Monroe County

LA SALLE, Mich. – Firefighters are on the scene of a three-alarm fire Friday at the Toledo Beach Marina in La Salle, Mich.Watch the video above showing the massive flames and thick smoke at the marina. Dec. 7 update: Fire chief: Cause of Toledo Beach Marina fire may never be determinedMonroe County Emergency Manager Mark Hammond said there have been no injuries reported, but hundreds, if not more, boats have been damaged or destroyed by the fire. Hammond said the biggest issue they face has been getting water to put out the fire because marinas like this one are meant for getting boats in the water, not for large trucks. They have been having a difficult time getting the fire trucks to a place where they can get water they can use. Here is a statement from the marina Friday morning, explaining all marina employees are safe and that an investigation into the cause is underway:“A fire occurred this morning at Safe Harbor Toledo Beach in LaSalle, Michigan.

Troy fire station closes temporarily after several firefighters test positive for COVID-19

TROY – One of the six fire stations in Troy has been closed temporarily after several firefighters tested positive for COVID-19. READ: Tracking daily new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, deaths in Michigan“A few of our volunteer members at one of our six stations have recently tested positive for COVID-19. As a precaution, we have decided to temporarily close that particular station for the next 14 days,” Fire Chief Dave Roberts said. Plans are in place to provide coverage from our other stations during this time.”The Troy Fire Department has more than 150 firefighters, who are primarily volunteers. “I commend Chief Roberts and the Troy Fire Department for taking these bold and decisive steps to keep both our Troy residents and Troy firefighters safe.

Unit a complete loss after fire at senior community in South Lyon, multiple people transported to hospital

SOUTH LYON, Mich. – A fire at a building in a senior community in South Lyon has displaced nine residents. READ: More local news coverageA fire at a building in a senior community in South Lyon has displaced nine residents. (South Lyon Fire Department)A fire at a building in a senior community in South Lyon has displaced nine residents. (South Lyon Fire Department)A fire at a building in a senior community in South Lyon has displaced nine residents. (South Lyon Fire Department)

Detroit firefighter back on the job after being severely burned fighting abandoned house fire

DETROIT – Doctors will say some of the most painful recoveries come in the burn unit. A Detroit firefighter just lived through a recovery and he has a unique perspective. READ: Detroit firefighters need surgery after level of burning vacant house collapsedFirefighter Mark Taylor went inside a burning vacant home to see if there was anybody inside and that’s when the roof collapsed on him. Two stories of burning roof buried Taylor and his partner. He is looking forward to Thanksgiving Day, where he hopes to march in America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Inside Ann Arbor Fire Department’s training on South U

ANN ARBOR – On a chilly Wednesday morning, members of the Ann Arbor Fire Department occupied a block on South University for the second day during intensive simulation training. “We’ve got access to businesses, restaurants, a bank, a first floor, second floor and a basement. AAFD assistant training officer Brian Schotthoefer guides firefighters through a smoke-filled room during a fire simulation training on Sept. 30, 2020. Later in the day, the department planned to simulate a second floor apartment fire. Firefighters wear full gear during training on South University on Sept. 30, 2020.

Ann Arbor Fire Department begins exercises in South University buildings

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Pedestrians walking along South University Avenue shouldn’t be concerned if they see a bit of smoke and firefighters moving in-and-out of buildings over the next few weeks. Starting Tuesday, and continuing through October, Ann Arbor Fire Department will turn the unused buildings between East University Avenue and Church Street into training grounds to practice different exercises. The buildings on that block of South University Avenue will be demolished soon, so they provide a unique opportunity for the fire department to practice, according to Fire Chief Mike Kennedy of the Ann Arbor Fire Department. The block is the former location of a PNC Bank, South U Pizza, several eateries, apartments and other shops. Once the buildings are demolished, Hughs Properties will build Vic Village South, a mixed-use building, on the block.

Michigan boy raises thousands of dollars to buy machines for 7 fire departments

An 11-year-old boy has raised thousands of dollars to buy critical equipment for seven fire departments in the state of Michigan. His name is Lucas Vetter, and it’s hard to know how many lives he has saved. Two years ago, on a tour of a local fire department, he saw the LUCAS machine -- a hands-free CPR device for use by paramedics. “I went home and made a business plan to buy one of those machines for every fire department in Michigan," he said. Two years later, Lucas and his family have already raised enough money to provide seven LUCAS machines to local fire departments.

Detroit fire boat named in honor of fallen firefighter Sivad Johnson

DETROIT – A new Detroit fire boat was named on Friday in honor of fallen Detroit firefighter Sivad Johnson. Johnson died on Aug. 21 after going into the Detroit River, near Belle Isle, to save young children from drowning in the river. READ: Memorial service honors Detroit Fire Department sergeant who drowned while rescuing childrenLocal 4 spoke with Johnson’s brother, Jamal Johnson, and father, Bill Johnson, who were also Detroit firefighters. The two are now helping raise Sivad Johnson’s two daughters. Detroit firefighters are selling t-shirts to help the Johnson’s raise money to support the family.

Detroit authorities honor female officers, firefighters, EMS workers

DETROIT Every year, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation holds an event to honor female first responders. This year, the event was forced outside at the last minute, but authorities still found a way to honor 10 police officers, firefighters and EMS workers who are now public role models. Detroit police Chief James Craig was quick to point out the number of women in the department, especially those who have climbed the ladder. Between the Detroit Police Department and the Detroit Fire Department, there were 10 nominees for Officer and Fire Department Woman of the Year. While some of the other nominees said winning would be nice, their message of female empowerment was more important.

Couple killed in Van Buren Township house fire

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich. – A married couple in their 70s was killed early Thursday morning in a house fire on Lilac Lane near Belleville Road and I-94 in Van Buren Township. Patricia and Richard Johnson were killed in a fire at their home July 2, 2020 in Van Buren Township. More: Van Buren Township newsA house burned July 2, 2020 on Lilac Lane in Van Buren Township. (WDIV)A house burned July 2, 2020 on Lilac Lane in Van Buren Township. (WDIV)A house burned July 2, 2020 on Lilac Lane in Van Buren Township.

Woman survives Birmingham house explosion

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. Fire crews say a woman is lucky to be alive after her Birmingham home exploded just after 9 a.m. Monday. READ MORE: Crews respond to house explosion in BirminghamShe did sustain some minor injuries but shes fine. Had she been elsewhere in the home when the explosion happened, the woman says she might not have survived. And I called 911 and said my neighbors house just exploded. The cats and the homeowner survived the explosion hiding in the garage behind the house.

Fire destroys warehouse on San Franciscos Fishermans Wharf

First responders battle a massive fire that erupted at a warehouse early Saturday, May 23, 2020 in San Francisco. (KPIX-TV CBS-Viacom via AP)SAN FRANCISCO A fire engulfed a warehouse on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf early Saturday, sending a thick plume of smoke over the waterfront and threatening to spread to a historic World War II-era ship before firefighters brought the flames under control. One firefighter sustained a hand injury while battling the fire at the warehouse the size of a football field on Pier 45, San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter said. However, at least two workers told the San Francisco Chronicle they were inside the fish processing and storage warehouse when the fire broke out before dawn. More than 130 firefighters fought the flames, with some using ladder trucks to drench the warehouse from above.

Young children rescued from Detroit house fire thanks to neighbors diligence

DETROIT A woman heard smoke alarms going off in her neighbors home on Elmdale Street in Detroit on Saturday night. I discovered there was smoke coming out of the window, and I was bamming on the window, yelling, the neighbor said. Detroit firefighters arrived right away thanks to the neighbors quick action. Detroit police made contact with the grandmother and mother to find out why they were not at home when the fire broke out. Arson investigators with the Detroit Fire Department are trying to pinpoint how the fire started.

Garden City police buy ballistic vests, helmets for firefighters

GARDEN CITY, Mich. – Garden City police gifted the city’s firefighters with ballistic vest and helmets this week. According to police, the vests and helmets would be used if there is an active shooter situation because the police and fire departments are developing a response to such situations. The police decided to pay it forward after K-9 Rudy received a donated ballistic vest. The Garden City Kiwanis hosted a special fundraiser to purchase Rudy’s body armor.

Detroit firefighters honored for saving one of their own during dangerous house fire

DETROIT – Some Detroit firefighters were honored for saving one of their own during a dangerous house fire. They braved the chaotic scene to find their colleague and now he’s alive to share his gratitude. The fire happened in October at a vacant house on Whittaker Street in Detroit. Evidence of the flames can be seen on the house next door and one of those firefighters who put the fire out is still dealing with the burns from the flames. Mark Taylor was on the job responding when the roof collapsed on top of him.