DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — One man is dead after a house fire in Dearborn early Monday morning.
It happened around 7:30 a.m. this morning, with a neighbor calling in the fire at a home in the 2000 block of Detroit Street, with reports of a man in the home being trapped in the residence.
Firefighters executed a search & rescue to get the man, who was found in the back bedroom. He was transported to the hospital, where he later passed away.
INTERVIEW: Dearborn Fire Chief provides update on early morning fatal fire
Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray told us that 25 firefighters responded to the fire. One firefighter suffered minor steam burns to his ears, but Murray said all firefighters are expected to be okay.
Residents living nearby described the scene to us, as the fire burned quickly.
"There was so much smoke coming out of the front and the corner on that side," said Jerry Wilder.
Riley Hubbart was sleeping with her family right next door when the fire started.
"So I just kind of woke up in a panic just grabbed my phone and a blanket," Riley said.
Her Dad was one of the first people jumping into action before fire crews were able to get inside.
"During the course of the rescue operation we had two firefighters who ran out of air," Chief Murray said. "So we initiated a mayday and sent our rapid intervention team in."
Murray continued by saying the rescue was more challenging because of the amount of clutter inside.
"Hoarder situations are very dangerous for firefighters," Chief Murray said. "It add a lot of content to burn, fire content, adds a lot of load to the floor"
Hoarding was something neighbors like Hubbart's Dad noticed, and say they did try to help with.
"All I can say is anyone can just lend out that helping hand whether they want to take the help not," Riley said. "You should still be that person, 'hey look, I'm here for you.'"
The cause of the fire is still being investigated but officials say they were not able to find any sign of a smoke detector, as it was neighbors who were the first to notice the smoke and call for help.
"As for fire detectors and smoke alarms, I've now learned how important those are and they can save a life they really can," Riley said.
