Man dies in apartment fire

February 6, 2024

Man dies in apartment fire

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

SHELBY — A man died in an apartment fire at 23 N. Michigan Avenue Monday night, Feb. 5.

According to dispatch information, the man was trapped upstairs, and firefighters extricated him. Oceana County Emergency Management Director Troy Maloney confirmed that the man died. 

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours. “The last Shelby unit cleared the scene after 3 a.m.,” said Shelby Fire Chief Jack White. Approximately 25,000-28,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the massive blaze. The building is a total loss, said White.

Oceana Drive was closed to traffic in the vicinity of the fire, which was dispatched at about 9:45 p.m.

The American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist 13 people who lived in the large house that included three separate apartments, said Chief White. The displaced residents stayed the night at the nearby Shelby Wesleyan Church, which opened its doors to help out, said White. Red Cross and Oceana County Victim Services volunteers came to the church to offer aid, he said.

Firefighters from Shelby-Benona, Hart, Ferry Township, Grant Township and Pentwater responded to the scene. Also assisting were Life EMS, Michigan State Police and the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office. Montague Fire Department was called in to backfill personnel at the Grant Township fire station.

One firefighter was checked by EMS at the scene, but no serious injuries were reported, said the chief. Firefighters rescued a cat from the residence.

A state fire marshal is slated to investigate the scene Wednesday, Feb. 7, said White.

The name of the man who died is not yet being released. More information will be released when it is available.

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