PORTLAND, Mich. — No one was hurt in an apartment fire that at least 11 different fire departments had to fight on Friday morning.
According to WLNS, the fire was at the Edgemont Apartments at 240 Charlotte Highway, next to the Portland City Cemetery.
Downtown Portland posted to its Facebook page that Officer Chris Walker of the Portland Police Department first noticed smoke while on patrol and then saw flames at the apartments.
The post said Department of Public Works employee Ryan Honsowitz also noticed smoke in the area and arrived at the scene to help Walker. The two entered the burning building to begin evacuating the residents.
The Portland Area Fire Authority Chief, Tim Krizof, told WLNS the fire started around 6:35 a.m. and when crews arrived they found the front end of the building burning.
Krizof said all of the over 20 residents of the apartments got out safely, but the units were a total loss. He told WLNS the whole roof and ceilings of the apartments are gone.
He also said all of the residents who were displaced have found other accommodations.
There are ways for the community to help those displaced by the fire.
PFCU said they will be collecting essentials for displaced residents who are welcome to stop into the credit union during operating hours for snacks, water and internet access. A list of the items being collected can be found here.
It's currently unknown what started the fire, but officials are investigating.
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