Electrical problem cited in fatal senior apartments fire
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Officials in Lansing blame an electrical problem for a fire that killed a 64-year-old woman and forced dozens of other residents to flee.
The fire was reported about 6 p.m. Sunday on the sixth floor of Friendship Manor Apartments.
Friends, relatives and rescue personnel helped residents negotiate the sidewalks as they left the building, and Mayor Virg Bernero paid a visit to them as they sat on an evacuation bus.
The Lansing State Journal and TV stations WLNS and WILX identify the victim as resident Dixie Shaw. Lansing fire spokesman Steve Babcock says the first firefighters to arrive found smoke pouring from an upper floor and called for additional units.
East Lansing and Lansing Township also responded.
Firefighters work on the scene of a fire at Friendship Manor Apartments in Lansing, Mich., Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015. Officials blame an electrical problem for a fire that killed a 64-year-old woman and forced dozens of other residents to flee. (AP Photo/Lansing State Journal, Rod Sanford)
The Associated Press
Mayor Virg Bernero visits with evacuated elderly residents on buses after a fire at Friendship Manor Apartments in Lansing Sunday evening Jan. 18, 2015. Officials blame an electrical problem for a fire that killed a 64-year-old woman and forced dozens of other residents to flee. (AP Photo/Lansing State Journal, Rod Sanford)
The Associated Press
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