Ferndale Fire Caused By Butane Vapors: Fire Marshal

FERNDALE, MI — A Monday fire that destroyed a Ferndale office building and left a man in critical condition was caused by butane vapors from the production of hash oil, according to Ferndale Fire Marshal Brian Batten.

Firefighters from Ferndale, Birmingham, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and Royal Oak helped extinguish flames at the building, located on Hilton Road south of 10 Mile. Ferndale firefighters received a call alerting them to the fire at 2:43 p.m., Batten said.

The 1,260-square foot building was given a certificate of occupancy in July for use as an office, Batten said. Ferndale Police are investigating the case.

“The building itself is a total loss,” Batten said. “Firewalls protected two adjacent buildings. One had some smoke damage and the other some water damage.”

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It took about 90 minutes fire firefighters to get the blaze under control. Batten said the fire was fueled by containers holding has oil.

No firefighters were injured fighting the blaze and no home or business evacuations were needed.

The building had only one occupant at the time of the fire. His name and other information was not released. Batten said he was transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital with second degree burns and is in critical condition.

Photo by Mario Tama / Staff / Getty Images News / Getty Images