27-01-2025
'A total shame': Dozens without homes after fire destroys St. Clair County apartment
The Brief
A fire early Sunday destroyed an apartment in East China Township.
Everyone made it out alive, but two people suffered smoke inhalation, while one resident was burned.
Community support has been pouring in for those impacted by the fire.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Residents of 24 apartments are now piecing their lives back together after a weekend fire destroyed their building in St. Clair County.
"Started getting yelled at to 'get out of the building, 'it's on fire,'" said Anthony Marentette, a resident of Bree Manor Apartments.
The backstory
The apartment caught on fire around midnight Sunday. Fire officials said cold weather made fighting the flames more difficult, and at one point a fire truck even froze.
One resident suffered burns and two police officers suffered smoke inhalation, but everyone made it out alive. However, the building was deemed a total loss.
"It's a total loss, a total shame," said resident Tricia Peacock.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but sources said a candle in one of the apartments may be a factor.
What you can do
Community support has been pouring in for those impacted by the fire. Groups like the Community Foundation of St. Clair County are providing help through disaster funds.
Fundraising pages are also being set up to help.
This GoFundMe, for instance, was created to help a woman who lost everything.
"Started getting yelled at to 'get out of the building, 'it's on fire,'" Anthony Marentette
"It's a total loss, a total shame," Tricia Peacock
missing cat
Bree Manor Apartments
East China Township
just after midnight Sunday
cause under investigation
cold and wet weather caused issues
firetruck froze
24-unit building total loss
everyone made it out
one resident suffered burns
two police officers smoke inhalation
community support pouring in
