Lakeshore Apartments fire caused by electric wall heater, police say
No one was injured in a fire caused by a faulty electric wall heater in the bathroom of an apartment at Lakeshore Apartments in Ypsilanti Township earlier today, township fire Capt. Brad Johnson said.
A call came in at 10:31 a.m. that a first-floor apartment unit at 2500 Lakeshore Boulevard was on fire. Fire Marshal Phil Stachlewitz was first on the scene and saw smoke coming from the sixth floor of the apartment building, officials said.
"Because it is mid-rise building and had the potential for evacuation issues, we called in mutual aid from around the area," Johnson said.
Pittsfield Township responded with a tower truck, Superior and Van Buren townships brought ladder trucks, and Ypsilanti provided additional manpower.
While flames were contained to the bathroom, smoke escaped into the hallways and entered the building's ventilation system, exiting through the sixth floor roof.
Outside the bathroom, the apartment sustained heavy heat and smoke damage and is uninhabitable, Johnson said. The resident of the apartment wasn't home at the time, and the American Red Cross has been contacted to provide assistance.
Comments
Ignatz
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 12:38 p.m.
I live at Lakeshore and just wanted to note that the staff here did a great job evacuating the building. There was one guy running around on my floor pounding on doors to get people out. As far as the fire/rescue response goes, they sure did send lots of personnel and equipment!
Really?
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 9:43 a.m.
I'm a fireman in the area (not Ypsi Twp), and just want to thank the Red Cross for all they do. On every incident I've been on, large or small, the Red Cross has always been there right away to help any displaced residents. I know other charities out there help people, the but the Red Cross is the only one I've ever seen on the scene no matter the day or time. They are always professional and bend over backwards to help everyone there. That's why they're the only group I donate too. You actually see your money being put to use. Not a sales pitch for them (although it sounds like it). Just want folks to know that they're out there doing everything they can.
American Red Cross-Washtenaw County
Fri, Dec 4, 2009 : 8:46 a.m.
Two Red Cross volunteers responded to provide food, clothes and lodging to assist the family member to recover. This assistance is provided through the generous donations of our community--which helps sustain and strengthen a neighbor helping neighbor way of living.