Farmington Hills firefighters rescue woman, 62, from home destroyed by fire
Posted On: Apr 15, 2022
Farmington Hills firefighters rescued a woman early Wednesday morning from a burning Waldron Street home with no working smoke alarms.
They said they were called to the two-story home near Olde Towne Park, north of Grand River Avenue, at 4:17 a.m. April 6 because of a reported fire.
Upon arrival, they saw a large blaze consuming the first floor of the south side home. Firefighters Kayla Geffert and Manndez Blanch went directly to the backyard following the dispatcher's report and saw a woman, 62, standing amid smoke at a second-floor bedroom window.
They climbed a ladder to rescue the woman and then provided advanced life support.
They made sure she was transported to Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills, where she was further stabilized. Medical personnel then transferred her to a regional burn center.
“A Farmington Hills resident was rescued and given the chance to survive a tragedy today due to the outstanding professionalism of dispatchers and the aggressive actions of first-arriving firefighters,” Fire Chief Jon Unruh said in a statement.
Firefighters said the fire remains under investigation but appears to be “accidental in nature.” Fire Marshal Jason Baloga said the blaze may have started in or near the kitchen. He said the fire ultimately spread to the second floor and attic of the home, and looks to be a complete loss.
The rescued woman has said she attempted to go downstairs when she awoke to smoke. Smoke, heat and flames prevented an escape on her own.
Fire officials remind homeowners to install working smoke alarms on each level of their homes and to change batteries whenever clocks change.
The Farmington Hills Fire Department provides free smoke alarms to residents. Just call 248-871-2800.
