GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Firefighters battled a massive blaze at a large home on Yorkshire Street in Grosse Pointe Park Thursday.
Construction crews working on renovations of the home told WXYZ the fire started on the third floor Thursday afternoon and quickly spread. Grosse Pointe Park Fire Chief Stephen Poloni said the fire may have started from a torch used by the construction crew, however, they are not classifying the three-alarm fire as arson.
Calvin Calloway was doing plaster work inside the home when the fire started.
"One of the roofers came and said they smelled smoke. Next thing you know, I ran upstairs to look and it was so smokey we all had to come on out," he said.
The cause remains under investigation.
#BREAKING Fire crews continue to battle #GrossePointePark mansion fire on Yorkshire Road. LIVE report on 7 Action News at 5 @JennSchanzWXYZ pic.twitter.com/Xm2fLyVkZO
— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) May 16, 2019
Everyone made it out of the home safely, and no injuries were reported.
WXYZ learned that an elderly couple lived in the home, but recently moved out and into an assisted living facility. The family's power of attorney told WXYZ construction was underway to make the large home more senior-friendly, in the hopes that the couple could return home.
This man was working inside the home on Yorkshire Street when the fire started @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/Fy2RbKCjPT
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) May 16, 2019
NEW INFO: #GrossePointePark Fire Chief says fire on Yorkshire Street started around 12:45. Started in the upper floor. They think it may have been caused by a torch used by workers at the time, making improvements to the home. Still under investigation @wxyzdetroit
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) May 16, 2019
Firefighters from several agencies, including Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods and Grosse Pointe Shores helped to put out the flames.
