Off Duty Firefighter Saves Two People from Fire in Rochester Hills
(City of Rochester Hills, Dec. 2, 2024)
Rochester Hills, MI – The Rochester Hills Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 8:57 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, to the 700 block of John R Road on the report of a house fire with people trapped inside.
Rochester Hills Fire Department Lt. Chris Ogg, who was off-duty at the time, happened to be driving by and saw smoke coming from the home. He immediately stopped his vehicle, found an extension ladder in the yard, and then used the ladder to rescue two adults from the second-story window.
Rochester Hills firefighters, with mutual aid support from the City of Rochester, Auburn Hills, and Shelby Township, arrived shortly after and extinguished the fire.
The victims were transported to the hospital and are being treated for smoke inhalation. They remain in serious condition.
Firefighters were able to rescue one dog from the fire and Oakland County Animal Control transported the dog to a nearby animal hospital for treatment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Lt. Ogg for his extraordinary bravery and swift action in rescuing these residents from their home. His courage saved lives,” said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. “And while the two victims remain in serious condition, we will continue to pray for them and their families.”
