An issue with an HVAC system was probably not the cause of the fire that broke out Monday at the Corewell Health Care Center in Rochester Hills as previously suspected, Assistant Fire Chief Ann Echols told The Oakland Press several hours later.
No injuries were reported in the fire, but because of it all occupants were evacuated from the building, located at 6700 Rochester Road
Echols said the cause of the fire is still under investigation but “it was likely not the HVAC system.” Monday afternoon, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office told The Oakland Press it was believed the roof caught on fire while contractors were working on the HVAC unit on the roof.
Echols said firefighters were dispatched shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Monday. Less than 20 minutes after they arrived the fire was under control, she said.
The Oakland Press reached out to Corewell Health for further information and received this statement: “We are grateful no one was injured. The safety of our team members and patients remain our top priority as we work closely with the Rochester Hills Fire Department and local authorities to learn more. Due to building damage, all existing appointments in the building for the next two weeks are cancelled and patients will be contacted about rescheduling as soon as possible.”
Mutual aid partners responded to the scene as well as to Rochester Hills fire stations to cover regular calls, Echols added.
The fire caused a temporary shut down of a stretch of Rochester Road so firefighters could access a hydrant, Echols said.