IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – State fire investigators have disclosed preliminary findings regarding the fatal fire that occurred on the evening of May 17, which resulted in the death of a woman in her apartment on 630 East H Street. The Michigan State Police, alongside insurance investigators, are continuing their investigation into the blaze that destroyed a 10-unit apartment complex.
According to the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit, the fire originated in the kitchen of Apartment 1 on the first floor of the building. Witnesses reported seeing flames emanating from the unit, with one resident of the apartment complex detailing how he smelled smoke and saw fire coming from the hallway and the apartment across from his. He crawled to safety, suffering burns that required hospital treatment.
The fire, which was reported at 10:54 PM on the evening of May 17th, saw fire department units arrive within five minutes. Multiple fire departments collaborated to extinguish the fire. During their secondary search, firefighters discovered the lone fatality in Apartment 7. The deceased, a female resident, was found lying on her bedroom floor, and it was noted that she often took sleeping pills to fall asleep.
Investigations revealed no issues with the building’s utilities, which include natural gas and electrical systems. The building had recently updated its boilers in 2015, and regular inspections had not highlighted any potential risks. The landlord confirmed that each apartment was equipped with smoke alarms and outlined designated smoking areas outside the building.
The official cause of the fire remains under investigation, pending further examinations and autopsy results. The Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit, along with NEFCO’s investigator, Chuck Peters, are set to conduct a joint examination of the scene.
The incident has left several residents displaced, with the Red Cross providing assistance. One adult male was hospitalized for severe smoke inhalation, while two children and another adult were treated and released.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more details are known.
