Monroe fire: 17 firefighters treated for heat-related injuries, 2 hospitalized

MONROE, Mich. (FOX 2) - A large fire in Monroe caused 17 firefighters to need on-site treatment for heat-related injuries, while two others are hospitalized and in stable condition.

The five-alarm fire occurred inside the vacant portion of a strip mall, next door to the Michigan College of Beauty at 1020 Monroe Street, just before 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, said Monroe Sheriff Troy Goodnough in a release.

"Every alarm you call, you get another department and more personnel," said Monroe Fire Chief Mark Cherney.

Monroe Fire and police responded to find heavy black smoke coming out of the building. Numerous fire departments were called to help, including Monroe City, Frenchtown Township, Bedford Township, Ida Township, Dundee Township, Erie Township, Summerfield Township, and Luna Pier. 

Also assisting at the scene is Monroe Community Ambulance, The American Red Cross and Lake Erie Transit. 

It took roughly 100 firefighters and about 5 hours to put out the fire.

"There was a stairwell that was going up to a loft area that was totally burned through," Cherney said. The fire was getting closer to a dialysis center, so "we had to start evacuating the patients in there."

They were able to do so without any injuries to the public, but the heat took a toll on the firefighters. 

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, a witness did report seeing someone run from the building just as the fire started. 

Crews remained on scene for most of the night. There is still tape surrounding the area, as it gets boarded up for the time being. 

The neighboring businesses are expected to reopen tomorrow. 

Photo: SkyFOX

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