PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — The historic Fitzgerald House in Pontiac was destroyed by a fire Monday morning, officials say.
Around 5 a.m., a neighbor saw flames from the second floor and called 911. Officials say fire was coming from the roof, second and third floors of the building. Crews were on the scene with multiple streams of water from multiple fire hydrants and hoses.
One firefighter suffered minor burns to his ears, but there were no other injuries from the fire. The home's owner was not present at the time of the fire.
Built in the 1920s, the home had three floors, up to eight bedrooms and secret passageways. It was owned by Howard Fitzgerald, who founded the Pontiac Press, which is now known as the Oakland Press.
Fire officials say the home is now a total loss.
This AM the historic Fitzgerald house was destroyed by fire. 3 floors, up to 8 bedrooms, secret passageways ... you just don’t see homes like this very often. Howard Fitzgerald started the Pontiac Press now known as the Oakland Press according to online records. @wxyzdetroit https://t.co/i6caOH9JfP pic.twitter.com/YjzAjnIwkt
— Jennifer Ann Wilson WXYZ (@JennaWils) February 3, 2020
