Yesterday, a fast-moving fire chewed through a row of west side businesses along Fenkell near Greenfield, sending flames racing through connected storefronts for nearly a full city block. At least one building partially collapsed, but city officials reported no injuries as firefighters stayed on the scene into the afternoon.
According to FOX 2 Detroit, the first 911 call came in around 5:10 a.m., reporting a liquor store on fire in the 14200 block of Fenkell. Fire crews were still working the scene after 4 p.m. as the blaze spread through several adjoining buildings. A Detroit Fire Department spokesperson told the station, “Crews did a great job out there.”
Emergency demolition ordered
One of the structures suffered a partial collapse and, according to the fire marshal on scene, was ordered into emergency demolition to protect the public. The city’s Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department provides contact information and guidance for reporting dangerous buildings and emergency demolition requests. In situations like this, inspectors and the fire marshal typically work together to secure the site, identify hazards and decide whether stabilization or demolition must happen before investigators can safely go inside.
Damage, response and next steps
FOX 2 Detroit reports the fire started at a liquor store in the 14200 block of Fenkell, with firefighters remaining on scene to stamp out hot spots and check neighboring buildings for structural damage. Road closures and heavy equipment were brought in while crews and city inspectors assessed safety and cleared debris. Investigators with the fire marshal’s office are expected to determine the cause once the site is fully secured…