BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – A devastating fire early Labor Day morning destroyed a couple’s home in Birmingham just days before their wedding.
Firefighters were able to save the bride’s wedding dress, veil, and rings, which were still in their boxes, as well as the groom’s suit, although it was heavily damaged and had to be recovered.
The fire broke out around 9 a.m. on Monday (Sept. 1) in a Putney Street end unit apartment.
No one was home at the time, and neighbor George Elson noticed the smoke, which he said rose more than 20 feet into the air.
“I stepped outside like I do most days to see what the temperature is, and I saw this puff of smoke over there, which were probably 20-feet high at that point. More than a barbecue,” Elson said.
The bride-to-be rushed home in tears, worried about her cat and other belongings inside.
Unfortunately, the beloved cat did not survive the fire.
Fire Marshal Jeff Scaife said firefighters focused on salvaging any belongings they could, especially since the upcoming wedding was a priority.
Items such as passports and other valuables were recovered.
A devastating fire early Labor Day morning destroyed a couple’s home in Birmingham just days before their wedding. (Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)A devastating fire early Labor Day morning destroyed a couple’s home in Birmingham just days before their wedding. (Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)A devastating fire early Labor Day morning destroyed a couple’s home in Birmingham just days before their wedding. (Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.)
Investigators are still investigating the cause, but early indications suggest that the fire may have been electrical in nature.
Losing a home to fire is devastating under any circumstances, but the timing made this tragedy especially heartbreaking for the couple preparing to start their life together.
Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.