Fire Ravages Condominium Building in Southfield – ONGOING UPDATES
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jay Preston, Nov. 4, 2024)
Southfield, MI – Several fire departments have responded to a fire at the Le Chateau Condominiums at 10 Mile Road and Southfield Road in the City of Southfield as smoke from the blaze can be seen for miles away.
The fire was reported at around 2:45pm Monday. Southfield Fire Department has called in other departments to help, including Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Farmington Hills.
It is unknown at this time if there are any injuries or deaths. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Travelers are asked to avoid the area.
UPDATE: At about 4:30pm Southfield Professional Firefighters Local 1029 shared an update, stating “Battalion 2 currently on scene of a large apartment complex fire in the 25000 block of Southfield Rd. Multiple patients have been transported from the involved unit and mutual aide departments are on scene along with Battalion 2 and emergency call backs have been made to bring more resources to this scene. We will have an update later tonight with details.”
UPDATE: The City of Southfield released a statement about the fire:
A fatal fire occurred on Monday, November 4 at the 25000 block of Southfield Road in Southfield that claimed the life of a woman in her 70s and left three additional residents with non-life-threatening injuries. One firefighter sustained a minor injury while combating the flames at the 17-unit condominium complex which is believed to be a total loss.
The Southfield Fire Department received the emergency call at 2:13 p.m. on November 5, 2024 and was on scene by 2:19 p.m. Upon arrival, fire crews encountered smoke and flames that had already self-vented from the rear of the building. As the fire intensified, mutual aid was provided by six OAKWAY mutual aid fire departments, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Madison Heights, and Royal Oak Fire Departments.
“Our hearts hurt for our neighbors,” said Fire Chief Johnny Menifee. “A family lost a loved one, and many of our friends and neighbors have lost their homes and possessions. We feel for them and grieve with them.”
The State of Michigan has recorded 78 fire-related deaths within 75 fires as of November 1, 2024, representing a 17% decrease compared to 2017- 2023 Among the victims, 63% were male and 37% female of those who perished, 73% were between 40 and 79 years old.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Chief Menifee urges all community members to ensure that they have working smoke detectors in homes and businesses, and to consider installing fire sprinkler systems to reduce fire risks.
The Southfield Fire Department is appreciative of the assistance of the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Southfield Emergency Management, Southfield Department of Public Works, Southfield Building Department, DTE, Consumers Energy, Lathrup Village Police, and the Southfield Police Department for their invaluable support. “We are also grateful to our mutual aid partners for their expertise and collaboration, which were crucial in bringing this tragic incident under control, added Chief Menifee. “We commend the dedication and bravery of all Southfield firefighters and paramedics who responded.”
THIS STORY IS BEING UPDATED AS MORE INFO BECOMES AVAILABLE.
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