Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — Authorities with the Jackson Fire Department (JFD) have confirmed one death in relation to the fire at Reed Manor I.
At approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday (March 12) the JFD and mutual aid partners responded to a first-alarm fire at Reed Manor I after multiple 911 calls reported smoke and flames.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a three-story apartment complex with heavy black smoke and active fire showing from the third floor.
Multiple occupants were reported trapped, with several residents observed hanging from windows and unable to exit the building. Fire crews immediately initiated rescue operations.
Firefighters deployed ladders to third-floor windows while additional crews conducted interior searches to locate and remove trapped occupants. An estimated 15 residents were rescued from third-floor windows or removed from the building by firefighters.
Simultaneously, crews conducted an aggressive, coordinated fire suppression operation to slow the fire’s spread while rescue efforts were underway. This coordinated approach allowed firefighters to keep the fire contained while rescue crews safely removed trapped occupants from the structure.
Four civilians were transported to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, and officials say one later died from their injuries.
One firefighter was injured and transported to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The firefighter was treated and released.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit.
Due to the scale of the incident, the fire escalated to a fifth-alarm response, requiring assistance from multiple surrounding departments, including Summit Township, Blackman-Leoni Public Safety, Columbia Township, Grass Lake Township, Henrietta Township, Liberty Township, Napoleon Township, Rives Tompkins Township, Parma Sandstone, and Spring Arbor Township.
Additional support agencies included Jackson Community Ambulance, the American Red Cross, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Disaster Assistance Response Team (J-DART).
Fire crews cleared the scene at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Friday morning (March 13).
Approximately 75 residents were displaced. The Jackson Police Department and the American Red Cross are providing temporary shelter and support services.
“This is a tragic event for our community, and our thoughts are with the family and residents affected,” said Fire Chief Tim Gonzales.
“However, without the rapid and heroic actions of our firefighters and assisting agencies, this incident could have resulted in an even greater loss of life. Their quick and coordinated rescue efforts saved many lives last night.”
