IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In the early hours of Saturday morning, tragedy struck as an apartment building fire claimed the life of a 46-year-old woman and left 3 others with non-life threatening injuries. The blaze engulfed a 10-unit apartment building on 630 East H Street, prompting an immediate and aggressive response from the Iron Mountain Fire Department, supported by over a dozen local agencies.
The fire began at approximately 10:53 p.m. on Friday night 5/17/24 and the Iron Mountain Fire Department was assisted by at least a dozen local agencies including the Breitung Township Fire Department, Norway Fire Department, Sagola Fire Department, Aurora Fire Department, Integrity Care EMS, North Alert Ambulance, The Michigan State Police, Dickinson County Sheriff’s department, WE Energies, DTE, and Iron Mountain DPW.
In the wake of the disaster, the Red Cross Disaster Action Team mobilized to assist.
Despite the tireless efforts of at least 5 fire departments, one woman tragically lost her life, and three others sustained injuries. However, thanks to the quick response from the Red Cross Disaster Action Team, aid swiftly reached 15 individuals from 8 households, offering blankets, comfort kits, and financial assistance.
“So we do have caseworkers that work with individuals that have been impacted by fires and other different disasters that will work with them on getting them housing, on getting them mental health care. Making sure that they have a place to stay, that they have food,” informed Warren.
In the midst of the devastation, Mid-Town Quick Lube emerged as a crucial hub, providing a staging area for the Red Cross to assist evacuees and coordinate relief efforts.
The Regional Communications Director for the Wisconsin Region of the American Red Cross, Jennifer Warren, highlighted the importance of community partnerships, stating, “We work with different local churches or different organizations when things like this happen that will assist in opening their doors and acting as a shelter. So having community partners like that in situations like this is hugely important.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath, efforts are underway to support the victims, with donations being accepted through Incredible Bank and a dedicated GoFundMe page established.
Thankfully, no firefighters were harmed, but the apartment building itself suffered complete destruction. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The Michigan State Police fire investigator was reported to be on the scene assisting the Iron Mountain Fire Department and Iron Mountain Police Department on Saturday, from a press release by the Iron Mountain Director of Police and Fire Services.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the community is rallying together to offer support. The Red Cross appeals to the public for assistance, urging donations of funds, blood, or volunteer time to aid in their ongoing efforts to provide aid during disasters.
The Red Cross urges the public to contribute to their ongoing efforts, emphasizing the importance of donations of funds, blood, or volunteer time in providing aid during local disasters.
“If you want to help: You can donate financially, donate blood, or volunteer with the Red Cross. Because it’s hugely helpful in situations like this,” urged Warren.
Donations can go toward the Red Cross’s Disaster action fund. American Red Cross donations are not specifically earmarked for incident-specific disasters, but they do help the organization respond quickly when critical events like the apartment complex fire on 630 East H Street.
To donate to the American Red Cross’s Disaster action fund, visit:
Or Call: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Or TEXT: 90999
Generally, American Red Cross volunteers need to be 18 and up. To volunteer for the American Red Cross or find out more about the needed volunteer positions in your local area, visit:
For those interested in donating to the GoFundMe, visit:
Donations for the fire victims can also be made in-person during banking hours at Incredible Bank
*WZMQ will continue providing updates on this tragic incident, especially as to when a local benefit is organized.
