News Flash

The Sterling Heights Fire Department responded to a reported house fire around 8:15 this morning, July 3, in the 37000 block of Mariano Drive (16 1/2 Mile east of Van Dyke). Dispatch information alerted the responding firefighters that there were multiple people trapped in the ranch-style home, including some in the basement. Fire Crews from Station 1 arrived quickly and began aggressive rescue operations while simultaneously trying to slow the progress of the fire.

At the scene of the fire, two residents were trapped and then removed from the basement and required immediate lifesaving medical treatment. The two residents were transported to the hospital and transferred to the burn unit at Detroit Receiving Hospital. They are a 24-year-old male and a female in her 20s. Both victims were reported to have burns over 30-40 percent of their bodies, but are expected to make a full recovery. Two firefighters were burned while removing those victims and were treated and released from Beaumont Troy. An adult male was able to escape the fire and treated for smoke inhalation. With great sadness we report an 18-year-old female, who was quickly removed from the home, lost her life.

All available firefighters from the five Sterling Heights Fire Stations responded to the incident. During the rescue operations, one of the firefighters encountered a problem and called a mayday. The Battalion Chief ordered a second alarm to get additional resources from Clinton Township, Shelby Township and City of Warren to the scene. First responders from Macomb Township, Utica, Fraser and Roseville filled stations in Sterling Heights.

The fire is under investigation at this time. The Sterling Heights Fire Department expresses great sadness and offers its condolences at the loss of life and injuries sustained by this family.

For more information, please contact Fire Chief Chris Martin at 586-446-2951 or via e-mail at cmartin@sterling-heights.net.