This story has been updated to include additional information and to add a video.
A large structure fire at the American House independent and assisted living facility in Southgate late Friday, Oct. 24, has left seniors displaced from their home, according to police.
Southgate Police officers were dispatched to 16333 Allen Road at approximately 10:06 p.m. where they saw heavy flames and smoke coming from the building and began evacuating residents, according to a news release from the department Oct. 25.
All residents have been safely accounted for as of Saturday afternoon. There were a total of 87 residents and staff inside the building at the time of the fire, according to Southgate Police.
There were two injuries, one civilian and one firefighter. Both are receiving appropriate medical care, according to police. One cat has been reported deceased. Emergency personnel saved three dogs.
After the fire, several residents were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment while others were transported to the Southgate Senior Center, 14700 Reaume Parkway, according to Southgate police.
As of Saturday, Oct. 25, afternoon, 17 individuals are in need of temporary placement, police said.
Most residents have been reunited with their families and others remain at the Southgate Senior Center as recovery efforts continue, according to Southgate Police.
Shanna Caughill of Taylor has a great aunt and uncle who live at American House. She found out about the fire as her mother-in-law was scrolling Facebook on Friday evening and saw a post about it on the Downriver and Friends group. Caughill called family members who were able to coordinate picking the couple up from the scene of the fire.
“Because of the post, our family knew immediately,” Caughill said.
Many of the residents have lost their belongings.
“It’s just devastating,” Caughill said. “My great aunt and uncle are in their 90s and have lost everything. My aunt is full of worry about it, but we have told (them) we will replace it, but we can’t replace them and we are so thankful they are safe and here.”
Caughill said her family will take care of her aunt and uncle but there may be other affected residents in need of support.
Facebook posts have been circulating about collecting donations for the affected seniors. As of Saturday afternoon, the senior center is requesting no additional donations, according to Southgate Police.
“They have already received an abundance of community support and resources,” according to the news release.
Michigan State Police troopers, along with officers and firefighters from other Downriver departments, also responded to the scene to help with evacuation, putting out the fire and transporting residents off the scene, according to a post from MSP Second District on X.
Southgate Fire Department and assisting agencies will continue working to secure the building and begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, according to the news release on Saturday afternoon.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Fire at American House in Southgate leaves 17 seniors searching for temporary home
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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