Woman Dies In Oakland County Apartment Fire: Officials

SOUTHFIELD, MI — A woman in her 70s died in a Saturday morning fire at an apartment complex in Southfield, according to fire officials.

The fire happened at 5 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 24000 block of Civic Center Drive near Telegraph Road and Northwestern Highway in Southfield, according to fire officials.

Officials said a complex resident on the fourth floor heard a smoke detector in a nearby home and called 911.

Firefighters put out the blaze and found a woman in her 70s unresponsive in an apartment, according to fire officials.

Officials took the woman to a nearby hospital where she died, according to fire officials.

Investigators said the building's overhead sprinkler system also suppressed flames and kept the fire from spreading to other units.

Officials were still investigating the cause of the fire.

"Today, our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased victim," Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee said in a statement. "This tragedy accentuates the importance of always having working smoke detectors in all dwellings and sprinkler suppression systems in large living spaces. I applaud the quick action of neighbors and our firefighters for their consummate professionalism and bravery."