SkyFox image of the triple house fire in Highland Park (Credit: Fox 2 News)
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WJBK) -
Family of Bill Thomas were holding on to hope. The house where he lived in Highland Park burst into flames on Thursday. Neighbors said it sounded like an explosion. The flames so intense jumped to two other houses.
"I sent crews on both sides and tried to control it from there," said Chief Derek Hillman from the Highland Park Fire Department.
Two of the three houses were occupied, but they were all completely destroyed. No one other than Thomas was unaccounted for.
Family said an oxygen tank helped Thomas to breathe. They kept calling his cell phone, but he never answered.
Claudia Brantley said she hoped the Lord saved him. "I hope he took him for a walk somewhere," she remarked. "I'm not going to believe my brother-in-law [is] in there."
"You could feel the heat almost at the store. So I came over here trying to see if everybody was okay and everything was cool," said Chris Hatcher. "All I found was a family sitting over here, and they were out here shivering, cold and everything."
Hatcher just hit the lottery at the liquor store, but after meeting Thomas' family he knew what to do with his winnings. He bought hot coffee for everyone and warm gloves for Thomas' niece.
"If we don't look out for each other, who else is going to look out for us?" he said.
After hours of waiting, news broke that human remains were found inside the house, not the news Thomas' family wanted, but the closure they needed.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:28:18 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:28:18 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:38:51 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
SkyFox image of the triple house fire in Highland Park (Credit: Fox 2 News)
