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"The holiday morning blaze on Dequindre Road in Sterling Heights. (Photos: WXYZ video)

Crews from four communities battled a large blaze at a Sterling Heights apartment complex, where some of the first firefighters were injured as they saved trapped tenants around 9 a.m. Christmas morning.

The site is Sterling Troy Apartments, which has three wings at 34450 Dequindre Rd. near 15 Mile.

 

Some was visible from Royal Oak, tweets Matthew Smith of WXYZ. He reports shortly after noon:

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Firefighters saw roof to release heat and smoke.

When the [first] crew arrived, the building was engulfed in flames and multiple people were trapped.

Officials said the first team rushed in and tried to rescue people, but became trapped themselves. Firefighters had to jump out of the building.

The blaze was battled by crews from Warren, Shelby Township, Clinton Township and Sterling Heights, according to Sarah Rahal of The Detroit News. 

Ten fire trucks and one ambulance closed off Dequindre as firefighters battled the fire from the ground and three ladders above. . . .

“One of my firefighters broke his leg and is currently undergoing surgery at Beaumont Hospital," [Sterling Heights Fire Chief Chris] Martin said. ”Two of my other guys got trapped but were able to get out on their own unharmed."

Rahal also speaks with two evacuated tenants.

About 60 apartments are damaged, posts Smith, the broadcast reporter. He tweets:

The Macomb County complex is owned by Princeton Enterprises of Bloomfield Hills, a real estate investment and management firm with more than 100 properties in 15 states.

Sterling Troy Apartments near 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights. (Photo: Google Earth)

Read more: WXYZ