Wind-whipped fire destroys shopping plaza

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Warren fire officials say there is no immediate sign of foul play evident in a windswept blaze fire destroyed a 12-unit strip mall on Groesbeck Highway, but added their investigation has yet to begin.

Fire Commissioner Wilburt “Skip” McAdams said the two-alarm fire broke out about 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Frazho Plaza on Groesbeck near Frazho Road and burned for about 90 minutes before being brought under control. It spread through a common attic.

Thick plumes of black smoke were visible for miles as fire crews worked to contain the blaze before flames broke through the roof at several spots. No injuries were reported. McAdams said the entire 24,000-square-foot structure is a total loss.

“Once those winds of 30 mph and gusting even higher hit it, it was off to the races and we could not keep up with it,” he said. “We lost the entire building, which is unusual for Warren.”

The shopping center included about eight tenants, with four vacancies. Two businesses were still open when the fire was

Businesses in the plaza include Country’s Barber Godz, Changing Faces Beauty Salon, and American Motorsports Shop.

Warren fire crews were met with heavy smoke as they arrived on the scene. But once the fire was exposed to oxygen, the building began to collapse. That’s when firefighters withdrew and took a defensive stance, according to the fire commissioner.

Warren’s fire marshal does not believe any accelerants were involved. A preliminary investigation began Wednesday morning. Fire officials didn’t see anything that leads them to believe there was any criminal intent involved, McAdams added.

“We contacted a board-up company to begin working on part of the building and the police will remain on the scene to maintain custody,” he said. “We need to determine if the building is structurally sound to do a full investigation.”

Police had to close Groesbeck between 10 Mile and 11 Mile roads for a couple of hours as fire rigs were in the roadway. Groesbeck was reopened to motorists about 9 p.m.

Warren firefighters were assisted by the Center Line, Detroit Arsenal, Eastpointe, Roseville and Sterling Heights fire departments.

first noticed.