Quick-Thinking Michigan First Responders Rescue Residents During Apartment Fire

After a fire broke out at a Mason County, Michigan, apartment complex, quick-thinking first responders had to use an unconventional method to rescue residents from their second-story balconies.

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The fire happened Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Glendale Apartments in Scottville, Michigan.

According to a release from the Mason County Sheriff's Office, it's currently unclear how the fire began, but it is believed to have started in a first-floor apartment.

As smoke filled the apartments on the second floor, residents were forced outside onto their balconies.

READ MORE: Did You Know Michigan Fire Departments Will Install Smoke Detectors For Free? 

The first two first responders to arrive on the scene happened to be two officers from the Mason County Sheriff's Office. Upon hearing the cries for help from the second-floor balcony, the two officers knew that they had to spring into action.

The Remarkable Balcony Rescue in Scottville, Michigan

Sergeant Adam Claveau and Deputy Matt Moss decided that, without a ladder, they were going to have to find another way to get people down and to safety.

That's when Sergeant Claveau went and grabbed his patrol truck and backed it up to the balcony. Then, along with Michigan State Police Trooper Mansour, they were able to safely bring a child and his mother down off of the balcony. And it was all caught on their body camera.

After the first family was rescued, the officers were able to repeat the process at several other balconies in the building.

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Several residents were treated for minor injuries, but there were no fatalities caused by the fire.