On April 28, 2017, the Sterling Heights Fire Department was called to a reported structure fire in the 42000 block of Bloomingdale.
While enroute, dispatch advised that there was a trapped occupant. Upon arrival, crews found a first floor fire that was well involved. Frantic family members reported that there was a 17 year old male trapped in his bedroom directly above the fire. Engine 5 initiated a vent-enter-search of that bedroom by laddering the window, forcing entry and searching the room. They quickly located the victim and with the help of Rescue 1, removed him to the outside where immediate treatment was initiated. While firefighters worked to revive the victim, he was transported to Beaumont Troy, where he was eventually pronounced dead. Two other family members were also taken to Beaumont Troy to be treated for smoke inhalation. The father was then transferred to Detroit Receiving for further care.
The fire was quickly contained and extinguished. While the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, it is believed to be arson. The Sterling Heights Police Department is leading the investigation, with help from the Sterling Heights Fire Department Inspection Division.
Early indications show that the family was not alerted to the fire by smoke detectors. The Fire Marshal is investigating any issues related to the performance of the smoke detectors. Also, the door to the victim’s bedroom was open, which allowed for the toxic smoke to easily enter his room and quickly render him unconscious. The Fire Department cannot stress enough how important it is to ensure that your smoke detectors are properly maintained and that all families become educated in fire safety for the home.
There were no injuries to fire personnel despite their heroic efforts to save the victim. Crews from Stations 5, 1 and 2 responded to the scene.
For more information, please contact Fire Chief Chris Martin at 586-446-2951 or via e-mail at cmartin@sterling-heights.net.