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Man in custody for alleged arson at Southfield apartment building

Posted at 5:44 AM, Apr 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-24 17:39:37-04

11:07 a.m.

Police tell 7 Action News that a suspect has been arrested for allegedly intentionally setting an apartment building in Southfield on fire Monday morning.

According to police, a 32-year-old Southfield man is in custody for the fire at Regal Towers Apartments off of Franklin Road.

Police say he used a cigarette in the mail room to intentionally set the blaze.

Several people were treated for smoke inhalation and one woman was transported to the hospital by first responders.

In all, about 70 people were evacuated from the building.

8:06 a.m

Arson investigators believe the fire was intentionally set, according to police. 

Some of the residents have been allowed back inside. 

We've learned several people had to be treated for smoke inhalation and one woman was transported to the hospital by first responders. 

6:50 a.m.

Police say about 70 people were evacuated from the building.

6:31 a.m.

A resident says the fire started on the first floor of the seven-story building. 

Other residents said they were told they should be able to get back into the building later today. They reported smelling a lot of smoke in the building. 

6:23 a.m.

Crews battled a fire at the Regal Towers Apartments off of Franklin Road in Southfield this morning.

Police tell 7 Action News that people were evacuated and injuries have been reported.

Other fire departments, including Birmingham Fire, are also assisting at the scene. 

Salvation Army and Red Cross Disaster Services, we're told, are expected to help displaced residents.

No word yet on how many people were injured in the fire.