Two young children and their family dog are safe after being pulled from a burning house in Orion Township last Friday afternoon, thanks to a fast-acting Oakland County Sheriff's deputy and Orion Township firefighters. The deputy made it to the home's second floor, helped get the youngsters out, and the kids were checked at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.
Deputy and crews raced to the scene
The Orion Township Fire Department and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office were called to a home on Meadowbrook Court, where they arrived to find a working fire and two children stranded on the second floor, the department said. An Oakland County Sheriff's deputy quickly reached the children and assisted in their rescue while firefighters focused on knocking down the flames. The family dog was also saved in the process.
Both children were evaluated by EMS and taken to a local hospital as a precaution, and "thankfully, no serious injuries were reported," the department said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to CBS News Detroit.
State fire-safety reminders
State officials say working smoke alarms and practiced escape plans are the best defenses against fast-moving home fires. As part of its MI Prevention campaign, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs urges residents to test alarms monthly, install units on every level and inside bedrooms, and replace alarms every 10 years, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs says. Local fire departments often coordinate alarm installations and outreach through that program to reach high-risk households.
Where home fires usually start
National data show cooking remains the leading cause of home fires and injuries, with unattended or forgotten food a frequent trigger, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Working smoke alarms significantly increase the chances of escape, so families are urged to test and replace units regularly and to practice a quick escape plan.
Investigators have not released a cause for the Orion Township blaze, and the department did not immediately provide further details. Officials said they will share more information with the public as the investigation continues.
