Flint, MI (September 9, 2023) – A Fire broke out on the eighth level of a high-rise apartment complex in Flint, Michigan, early on Friday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of inhabitants and resulting in a handful of injuries.

The blaze at Richert Manor, a 12-story complex located at 902 East Court Steet, triggered a response from the Flint Fire Department. Smoke was seen on the ninth story, and a homeowner contacted 911 while a fire crew was on its way.

Heavy smoke was detected in an eighth-floor corridor, where firefighters also discovered a pile of burnt debris. About 1.5 inches of water, which was rushing down elevator shafts and stairways, was discharged on the ninth floor by the sprinkler system. EMTs treated a number of residents for smoke inhalation, but the total number of injuries and the current conditions of those involved are unclear.

As of Friday, authorities were still unsure as to whether the fire had been an accident or a deliberate act.

Our thoughts and best wishes for a complete recovery are extended to the injured victims.

Apartment Fires in Michigan

Across our state, the number of fires and the deaths they cause has sharply risen. In fact, when compared to the averages of the previous five years, the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society estimates an increase of 11% overall and a 15% surge in fire-related fatalities this year. Sadly, 76 people have died in fires throughout Michigan since the end of June.

Just 5% of the fatal fires were found to have originated in kitchens, while a quarter started in general living rooms. When a house or apartment catches fire, the local fire service will look into anything that may have started the fire, regardless of the reason. Additionally, authorities may assist in determining culpability based on these results.

Furthermore, in order to pay for the expenses related to the damage, a property owner often makes a claim with their own insurance provider. The insurance company will carry out an independent inquiry to evaluate the extent of the fire damage and estimate the probable expenses for restoration or substitution; nonetheless, these adjusters have a bad reputation for providing victims of catastrophic home fire losses with inadequate compensation.

Fortunately, if a home fire in Michigan has injured you or taken the life of a loved one, you may be able to pursue legal action later on. It is possible to prevent fire-related incidents by having precautions and routine inspections in place. Furthermore, you may be able to sue for negligence if a fire breaks out in a private or rented home and causes burns or smoke inhalation to you.

A skilled attorney can assist whether the victims of home fire injuries or tragic deaths have a case for premises liability and fault or only wish to communicate and negotiate with insurance carriers. After a home fire, the weeks and months that follow may be very distressing and traumatic, especially if you lost a loved one in the fire. You may consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer for further information on how to handle the aftermath of a home fire.

Our team at Christopher Trainor & Associates can assist you in obtaining justice because we have experience in a variety of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those involving residential fires. Make an appointment for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers by giving our office a call at 248-886-8650.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.