SOUTHGATE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Crews battled a fire that engulfed an apartment building for seniors in Southgate on Tuesday.
The fire happened at The Meadows of Southgate Senior Apartment Community on Allen Road near Pennsylvania Road.
The fire reportedly started on a balcony on the second level. It then spread to the attic and entire building within minutes.
“It was like a matchbox. It just started going,” said Jim Rose, who witnessed the fire.
Rose and his friend James Paul saw police officers who were first on scene run directly into the smoke and fire.
"(They were) running in there and pulling people out," Rose said.
Paul added, "They all pulled up close as they could and they all got out of their vehicles and ran into the building."
Authorities say there were no fatalities or significant injuries and that all residents have been accounted for. At least three residents were taken to the hospital but are expected to be OK.
One police officer and a firefighter were taken to the hospital and several other officers were treated for what's believed to be smoke inhalation, officials said.
They say 60 residents were taken to the Southgate Senior Center. Many of the seniors don't have cell phones to contact family. Anyone looking for a loved one who lives there is urged to reunite with them at the center at 14700 Reaume Parkway in Southgate.
One of the residents rescued was Johnny Murphy, who was in bed asleep when the fire broke out.
"The cop, she came in, she grabbed me. I'm like 'What's going on,'" Murphy recounted.
That officer rescued Murphy and his wife. Both were taken to the Southgate Senior Center. While there, his wife and high school sweetheart had trouble breathing and was taken to the hospital.
"I just talked to her a little while ago. She's doing better, but I have no way of going to get her," Murphy said.
Murphy has a photo of her in his wallet, which sadly was left behind. He showed 7 Action News a photo on his phone of his cat, who hasn't been seen since the fire began.
"My cat, Raleigh is his name. I hope he made it out," Murphy said.
First responders are searching for missing pets.
"I'll get in that building to get my keys, but they're keeping an eye on me, so I'll do what they say," Murphy said.
The American Red Cross is assisting residents. Hampton Manor of Woodward and Trenton, two nearby assisted living facilities, offered rooms free of charge to anyone who was impacted.
"(Near the fire) is where I live. Now, it's gone," one displaced resident said. "I'm just glad to get out. I'm glad I wasn't in there and got trapped. Stuff, you can replace but life you can't. I hate to see it go like that, but there's nothing I can do."
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
