An early-morning blaze yesterday left two people dead at a home on Detroit’s east side, according to the Detroit Fire Department.
Fire crews were called shortly after 5:30 a.m., when a neighbor reported a house on fire in the 4900 block of Ashley Street, between Mack Avenue and Frankfort Street. Firefighters arrived within about five minutes to find flames pouring from the side of the home and a vehicle burning in the driveway, details shared with reporters and cited by FOX 2 Detroit.
Firefighters went inside to search for anyone trapped. They located a woman suffering from severe burns, pulled her from the home and turned her over to emergency medical crews, who attempted life-saving measures. She was later pronounced dead. Crews then found a man inside the house who was already deceased.
"Conditions inside the house made it difficult for crews to reach the residents," fire officials said, as reported by FOX2 Detroit.
Investigation Underway
The Detroit Fire Department said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Under state law, the Bureau of Fire Services and the State Fire Marshal have authority to conduct origin-and-cause investigations in fatal residential fires, according to the Michigan Legislature’s fire prevention code.
Fire-Safety Reminder
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fire officials recommend testing alarms every month and replacing units that are more than 10 years old.
In the wake of deadly incidents like this one, local fire officials typically urge residents to check alarm batteries, review and update home escape plans, and ensure alarms are installed and functioning on every level of the home.
