Man dies in apartment fire

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.

Please consider helping to fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals. Three ways to help us: Venmo: @MasonCountyPress; Paypal: MasonCountyPress@gmail.com; Mail a check to PO BOX 21, Scottville, MI 49454.

This story is copyrighted © 2024, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.

As the services of Media Group 31, LLC are news services, the information posted within the sites are archivable for public record and historical posterity. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. It is the editor’s discretion to update or edit a story when/if new information becomes available. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new “follow-up” story. Media Group 31, LLC or any of its agents have the right to make any changes to this policy. Refer to Use Policy for more information.