FARMINGTON HILLS — A house fire on Ten Mile Road left 12 people injured early Tuesday morning, including four Farmington Hills police officers who rushed into the burning home to save trapped residents.
Three people who were in the home and three police officers are listed at area hospitals in serious condition.
Just before 5 a.m., April 1, frantic 911 callers reported a fire in the 29000 block of Ten Mile Road, with people still inside, the city said in a statement, noting the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Farmington Hills police officers arrived on the scene in under 90 seconds, followed by units from all five city fire stations, the city said.
Police found the home fully engulfed in flames. A resident outside told officers multiple adults and children were trapped inside.
City officials said officers Devin Hunt, Muhieddine (Dean) Turk, and Timothy Shingleton forced their way in through a back door, battling heavy smoke and flames.
Inside, they found an unconscious man pinned between a cabinet and a wall, with a 7-year-old child trapped beneath him. As officers worked to free the man and child, eventually helping both escape the home, another adult was able to crawl to safety with police assistance.
“I am extremely proud of the selfless and heroic actions of these officers, who risked their lives to rescue these residents,” Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott said. “We remain hopeful and are praying for the full recovery of the officers involved and the residents who were rescued.”
At a side door, Officer Antoneta Bucaj assisted another adult and child to safety, the city said, noting three other residents made it out before emergency crews arrived.
Officers also rescued two cats, which are receiving treatment at a local animal hospital.
Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh praised the officers’ actions, calling them “extraordinary.”
“The heroic actions of these four police officers exemplify the very best of public service. Without hesitation, they rushed into danger to rescue residents trapped in the burning home, demonstrating extraordinary courage and selflessness,” Unruh said. “Their swift response, coupled with the Fire Department’s immediate medical attention and transportation of all twelve individuals to the hospital, likely prevented a tragic outcome.”
When firefighters arrived, police confirmed that all residents were out of the home. Crews quickly controlled the flames, focusing efforts on the southeast corner, which was fully engulfed.
In total, 23 Farmington Hills Fire Department personnel responded, treating and transporting all 12 injured individuals.
All 12 victims, including the four police officers, were taken to Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital for initial treatment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials emphasized the importance of working smoke alarms, calling them a critical tool for early fire detection.
“This incident serves as a powerful reminder of why working smoke alarms are absolutely critical in every home,” Unruh said. “These simple devices provide the early warning that can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.”
The Farmington Hills Fire Department thanked the Livonia and West Bloomfield fire departments for providing mutual aid during the incident.
Contact reporter Laura Colvin at lcolvin@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: 12 injured in Farmington Hills house fire, including 4 police officers
Reporting by Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com / Hometownlife.com
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