Dozens displaced after weekend apartment fire

109521695-thb_

An early Sunday morning fire in East China Township displacing dozens of people as the community rallies in support of the victims. It happened around 12:30am Sunday at the Bree Manor Apartments on Bree Road which was fully involved with flames when East China Fire Department crews arrived. All residents were able to escape the building safely and were accounted for. St. Clair County Community Foundation President and CEO Randy Maiers told WPHM yesterday said they have activated a newly created fund to help those who now find themselves without a home.

“It’s called the Disaster Response Fund and we just opened it about a year ago,” said Maiers. “It was set up for exactly what happened… the fire had overwhelmed local resources, which triggered us to release our money to help those people displaced.”

Those looking to donate can visit stclairfoundation.org. Authorities are also thanking St. Clair High School who opened their doors to first responders and fire victims as a warming location until more permanent housing at the St. Clair Inn could be secured, with transportation provided by Blue Water Area Transit. Additionally, the American Red Cross is also helping victims of the fire who’s cause remains under investigation.