Fifty families were displaced after a massive fire at the Sterling Troy Apartments on Christmas Day.
According to the Sterling Heights Fire Department, the fire started accidentally when a discarded cigarette became lodged in an air conditioning unit, which then possibly malfunctioned and caused a fireball that spread quickly, despite the resident's effort to extinguish the fire. When crews arrived just after 9 a.m., the fire was rapidly spreading through the first floor and extending up into the second floor and attic.
“It was obvious that there were many residents still inside the building, so crews began a aggressive and coordinated effort to try to slow the flame spread and rescue trapped occupants,” said Sterling Heights Fire Chief Chris Martin.
One firefighter was incapacitated by a fractured leg when he became entangled in a fire hose. Other firelighters sere searching for and removing residents from the apartment building when two of them became trapped on the second floor. Crews on the outside were able to get a ladder to them and they escaped with no injures.
Police officers from Sterling Heights and Troy rescued several occupants using ladders.
Firefighters were eventually able to contain the fire, but it was not brought under control until about 2 p.m. Officials say the fire was further complicated by the type of construction, which contained a truss roof built over the original flat roof, which hampered the ability of firefighters to get at the fire that was between the original and existing roof. Portions of the roof also collapsed in on itself.
Families displaced by the fire were aided by the City of Sterling Heights and the Red Cross on Christmas Day. The injured firefighter is expected to make a full recovery, but it is expected the injury will take several months to heal.
“While a fire of this magnitude on Christmas Day is tragic, I’m very grateful for the quick work of the Sterling Heights Fire Department — as well as our neighboring communities — to rescue the families at Sterling Troy Apartments,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “Thank you to all of our first responders for their dedication to keeping everyone safe.”
The fire caused significant damage to several units and smoke or water damage to dozens more. The damage is estimated to be at $2,500,000, including contents.
The property manager at Sterling Troy Apartments said donations are welcome, encouraging the basic necessities for personal care if donors are looking for ideas. Gift cards to cover basic necessities are welcome as well. There was a handful of families with children 10 and younger that lost their Christmas along with all of their personal belongings.
Donations can be dropped off at Sterling Troy Apartments, 34350 Dequindre, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
