Fire Crews Respond to Apparent Condo Explosion in Lake Orion

Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish a multi-alarm blaze that ripped through a Lake Orion condo complex, displacing its occupants and sending one person to the hospital.

The explosion occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 15, in the 300 block of Pine Tree Drive, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. The blast, which witnesses reported hearing from blocks away, caused extensive damage to the two-story, four-unit building.

Firefighters from multiple communities responded to the scene and worked for more than two hours to bring the blaze under control. One person was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were not considered life-threatening, authorities said.

No other injuries were reported, but the explosion displaced all four families living in the complex. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the displaced residents with shelter and other necessities.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Investigators were on the scene throughout the day, combing through the wreckage and interviewing witnesses. DTE Energy crews were also on hand to check for gas leaks, but none were found.

The explosion is the second major fire in Lake Orion in less than a month. On Jan. 22, a house fire on Baldwin Road claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman.