Early morning fire at Edgemont Apartments in Portland, all residents evacuated safely

A fire caused significant damage at Edgemont Apartments in Portland early this morning.  The complex is located on Charlotte Highway. 

According to an announcement by City Manager Tutt Gorman on the City of Portland Facebook, “At approximately 6:34am, Officer Chris Walker of the Portland Police Department noticed smoke while on patrol and upon investigation, saw flames visible at Edgemont Apartments in Portland, Michigan. Department of Public Works (DPW) employee, Ryan Honsowitz who also noticed smoke in the area arrived at the scene shortly after Officer Walker. Officer Walker and Mr. Honsowitz immediately entered the burning building to begin evacuating the residents of the senior living facility. Prior to the arrival of additional emergency services, Officer Walker and Mr. Honsowitz were able to evacuate 21 residents from the building which appears to be a total loss.”

Gorman added that, “Portland Area Fire Authority (PAFA) arrived on scene and Firefighter, Jake Schafer extracted the last remaining resident from the building. The swift actions by Officer Walker, Mr. Honsowitz and Firefighter Shafer undoubtedly saved lives.”

The announcement also indicated that PAFA was assisted by additional emergency services including Delta Fire, Berlin Orange Fire, Pewamo Fire, Grand Ledge Fire, Westphalia Fire, Lyons Muir Fire, Ionia Dept. of Public Safety, Sunfield Fire, Lake Odessa Fire, Dewitt Township Fire, Portland Ambulance, Portland Police Department, Michigan State Police, Ionia County Sheriff’s Office, and Ionia County Central Dispatch. 

Gorman said, “Additionally, we would also like to thank Portland Board of Light and Power, Portland DPW, Ionia County Victims Advocate, American Red Cross, Reed & Hoppess Towing, McDonalds, Fabiano's Riverhouse Grill, Bob Gross, Portland Assisted Living & Memory Center, Portland Public Schools, Portland Bus Garage and Consumers Energy.”

A release from PFCU announced that PFCU headquarters will collect donations for those impacted the Fire.

The release said, “PFCU’s headquarters location is offering support to those affected by Edgemont Apartment fire in city of Portland. PFCU will be collecting items to support those impacted at their headquarters location at 9077 Charlotte Hwy., Portland, MI.”

“These items include essentials and toiletries that will be of the most immediate need of those displaced. The Credit Union invites the public to join in these efforts and drop off items to the Portland location. PFCU welcomes anyone who has been affected to come to the Portland location at 9077 Charlotte Hwy. where they will have snacks, water and internet access available during open office hours.”

A video can be found HERE.

Photos and video by Jason Galey.