Urgent Fire Displaces 80+ Seniors at Southgate Assisted Living

UPDATE: Over 80 senior citizens have been displaced following a massive fire at the American House assisted living facility in Southgate, Michigan, late Friday night. The fire erupted around 10 p.m., forcing residents to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs, according to local authorities.

All residents and staff members have been accounted for, with no severe injuries reported. However, the incident has left many elderly residents vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance. “They’re all elderly, so they’re going to need a lot of help,” said Karen Richardson, a relative of one of the displaced residents.

Richardson rushed to the scene and described a chaotic evacuation. “There were like seven or eight different fire trucks here, and the flames were just shooting way above these trees,” she recalled. Her aunt, Joyce Richardson, managed to escape with only a nightgown and bathrobe, lacking any shoes or personal belongings.

The fire caused significant challenges for emergency responders, particularly due to the mobility issues of several residents. Joe Marsh, the public safety director for Southgate, highlighted the difficulties faced during the evacuation. “We encountered challenges because of the mobility issues from several residents, and some had memory care issues,” Marsh stated.

Community members quickly stepped in to assist, with volunteers providing critical support during the evacuation. “Citizen volunteers came in to assist us, including our court administrator and a retired police officer who helped drive a transport vehicle,” Marsh added. The goal was to relocate the seniors to a temporary shelter as quickly as possible.

The situation has been particularly dire for residents who lost everything in the fire. Jodi Portice, whose father was among those displaced, shared the emotional toll of the disaster. He lost all his belongings, including vital medications. Fortunately, Portice was able to replace some prescriptions through the VA in Ann Arbor. “For any veterans affected, the VA in Detroit and Ann Arbor is open all day, and I was able to get everything he needed,” she explained.

The Southgate Senior Center has rallied to support displaced residents, collecting donations to assist those affected. However, they announced on Saturday that no additional donations are currently needed, highlighting the community’s response to this urgent situation.

Despite the devastating loss, Karen Richardson remains grateful that all residents escaped safely. “Things can get replaced, people can’t,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of human life over material possessions.

As officials continue to assess the damage and provide support to the affected residents, the community remains united in its efforts to help those in need during this challenging time. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.