Multi-unit strip mall catches fire on Groesbeck in Warren

Fire engulfs Warren strip mall, destroys building

Firefighters spent several hours at the scene, putting out the flames.

WARREN, Mich. (FOX 2) - A 12-unit strip mall caught fire Tuesday evening, confirmed Warren Fire Commissioner Skip McAdams. The building is a total loss.

The fire began around 7 p.m. at Frazho Plaza on the 26000 block of Groesbeck Highway, near Frazho Road. It took firefighters over two hours to put out the flames.

McAdams said the fire started in one unit and spread to the common attic. The fire then traveled down the building and the roof collapsed.

Strong wind gusts, going about 30 mph, made the process of extinguishing the fire much more difficult.

"This structure faces west. And once (the fire) hit the roof, it took off," McAdams said. "The preliminary investigation is showing that there was no fire stops in the attic, which allowed the fire to travel very quickly – and the wind helped it, of course."

Firefighters had to assume a defensive position when the roof began to collapse, the commissioner said. Two people were inside two of the units when the fire erupted, but got out safely.

The Warren Fire Department said no one else was inside the building. No injuries were reported.

Fire destroys strip mall on Groesbeck in Warren

The fire started in one unit and spread to the common attic, according to the Wayne County Fire Department. The fire then traveled down the building, completely destroying it.

According to Google Maps, several businesses are located in the plaza – including Country's Barber Godz, Changing Faces Beauty Salon, American Motorsports Shop, and more.

It is still unclear what caused the fire or where it started.

The building was boarded up Tuesday night. Crews will return to the scene to continue investigating on Wednesday.