An inferno yesterday at Riverside Manor Apartments in Au Gres resulted in significant damage and left many residents without a home during the holiday season. As reported by WNEM, heavy smoke poured from the apartment complex, a stark visual captured on video by local Kristy Sanders. The blaze required firefighters to battle the flames for 11 hours into the evening, as per statements from the Au Gres Sims Whitney Fire Department.
Amidst the chilly December air, right before the holidays, a fire has displaced 16 families, creating an urgent community response to support those affected. Michigan State Police confirmed the dire aftermath of the fire to MidMichiganNow, noting that several individuals needed medical attention, rerouted to a local hospital during the incident. Struck by disaster, the community has been swift in rallying support, with efforts organized by Arenac Community Crisis Response to gather necessary donations.
Financial contributions to aid the displaced residents can be directed to the non-profit organization It Takes A Village - Arenac at a designated postal address. Concurrently, public acuity has been drawn towards physical donations, including clothing, toiletries, and food, which people can donate until 6 p.m. today at Deep River Twp. Hall as detailed by MidMichiganNow.
To provide immediate relief, the families impacted by the fire can seek meals and a place to stay at the Deep River Township Hall in Sterling. This information was shared in a social media post from Arenac County Emergency Management and verified by the American Red Cross, highlighting their collaborative support to those in sudden need. In announcing the support, MichEMHS stated, "Those impacted can go to the Deep River Township Hall, located at 525 E. State Street in Sterling, for meals and warm shelter."
