Southgate American House fire left two injured including firefighter; pet cat died in blaze
Cat dies, firefighter, civilian injured in massive Southgate fire
All residents are safely accounted for after a fire tore through the Southgate American House senior living facility Friday night. The Southgate American House suffered a 3-alarm fire tonight with multiple fire departments responding on Allen Road.
SOUTHGATE, Mich. (FOX 2) - All residents have been accounted for after a fire ripped through the Southgate American House senior living facility Friday night, police said.
During a Saturday news conference, the Southgate Fire Department said that there were 87-people including residents and staff in the building when the fire broke out, all were accounted for and alive, but two people were injured during evacuations.
One of those injured was a firefighter, the other a civilian. Officials didn't say if it was a staff member or resident who was injured.
Officials also said that a pet cat died in the fire. Three dogs were rescued from the building.
Watch: SkyFOX over aftermath of Southgate American House fire
All residents are safely accounted for after a fire tore through the Southgate American House senior living facility Friday night.
The backstory:
First responders from multiple cities were dispatched to the scene at 16333 Allen Road after the fire was reported around 10 p.m.
When crews arrived, they found heavy flames and smoke coming from the building.
Southgate officers, along with assisting law enforcement and firefighters from neighboring departments, immediately began evacuating residents to ensure their safety.
Fire departments from across the Downriver area surrounded the facility, using multiple water lines to attack the flames.
Aerial images of the large complex show extensive damage, with parts of the structure completely burned out.
Transport vehicles were needed and with many residents in wheelchairs or disabled.
Watch: SkyFOX over Southgate American House fire
The massive two-alarm blaze ripped through the American House complex.
What we know:
Police confirmed all residents were safely accounted for. Displaced residents were transported to the Southgate Senior Center at 14700 Reaume Parkway, where temporary shelter and assistance were provided.
Several residents were taken to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Their conditions were not immediately known.
Officials said most residents have since been reunited with their families, while others remain at the senior center as recovery efforts continue.
The American Red Cross is leading with necessities for residents.
Residents impacted can call 1-800-RED-CROSS for more assistance.
What we don't know:
It is unclear what started the blaze.
What's next:
The cause of the American House fire remains under investigation.
The Southgate Fire Department will continue to work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Anyone who was impacted by the fire may call 1-800-RED CROSS for information and assistance.
The CIty of Southgate is collecting monetary donations for the victims, anyone who wishes to contribute can do so at: https://tinyurl.com/3ys6cvmf
Dig deeper:
In October 2023, the Meadows of Southgate senior apartment complex, also located on Allen Road near American House, caught fire.
Many residents were displaced, but no serious injuries were reported.
Southgate senior apartment fire sends 2 first responders, 3 residents to hospital
The complex is located on Allen Road — near Eureka. Firefighters, EMTs and police from all over the Downriver community came to help.
FOX 2 will continue to update this developing story as more information becomes available.
The Source: Information for this article came from the Southgate Police Department.