Investigation reveals cause of fire

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – State fire investigators have released preliminary findings on the deadly fire that occurred on the evening of May 17 and killed a woman in her apartment at 630 East H Street. Michigan State Police, along with insurance investigators, are continuing their investigation into the fire that destroyed a 10-unit apartment complex.

According to the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit, the fire started in the kitchen of Apartment 1 on the ground floor of the building. Witnesses reported seeing flames coming from the apartment. A resident of the apartment complex reported smelling smoke and seeing fire coming from the hallway and the apartment across the street. He crawled to safety, suffering burns that required hospital treatment.

The fire, which was reported at 10:54 p.m. on May 17, saw firefighters arrive within five minutes. Several fire departments worked together to extinguish the fire. During their second search, firefighters discovered the only fatality in Apartment 7. The deceased, a resident, was found lying on the floor of her bedroom. It was discovered that she frequently took sleeping pills to help her sleep.

Investigations revealed no problems with the building’s utilities, including natural gas and electrical systems. The building’s boilers had been replaced in 2015, and regular inspections had revealed no potential hazards. The landlord confirmed that each apartment was equipped with smoke detectors and provided designated smoking areas outside the building.

The official cause of the fire remains under investigation pending further investigation and autopsy results. The Michigan State Police Arson Investigation Unit will conduct a joint investigation of the fire scene along with NEFCO investigator Chuck Peters.

The incident forced several residents to flee their homes. The Red Cross provided assistance. One adult man was hospitalized for severe smoke inhalation, while two children and another adult were treated and released.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more details become available.