8 units destroyed in Plymouth apartment fire
Plymouth Township fire officials suspect the fire at Hines Park Place apartments last week may have been caused by an electrical issue, but the final determination of the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Firefighters from Plymouth Township and multiple neighboring departments responded to the blaze, which was reported just before noon last Thursday, May 14. First responders at the scene found the building fully engaged in flames with black smoke pouring from the roof of one building. All residents of the complex were evacuated as a safety precaution, officials said.
About 24 units in the complex, located near Wilcox Road and Hines Park, were damaged according to township Fire Chief Pat Conely, although no serious injuries were reported.
"Eight units are affected directly, another 16 in the adjoining were probably affected by smoke," he said. "There was a vacant unit on the first floor. It possibly originated in there, but until we actually do our cause investigation, we won't determine that,” he added.
One firefighter was injured when part of the roof of the building collapsed, but he returned to duty quickly, according to official reports. No residents were injured and all pets were reportedly safely returned to owners, they added.
Conely noted that the high wind conditions added to the intensity of firefighter’s efforts.
"The wind was a factor, and these buildings also have double roofs on them, so that really was a challenge for us," said Conely.
Officials said all residents were expected to be returned to their homes this week. The Salvation Army Disaster Service representatives were onsite and continue to assist tenants who have been displaced and lost most, if not all, of their possessions in the blaze. Eight units were completely destroyed according to Conely.
