Story Updated – 11-2-20

The victims who died in the fire were identified as: Amanda (Dortch) Hackney (Age 30), Markese Dortch (Age 15), and Sha’tari Razor. The deceased are survived by husband and stepfather Mark Hackney (age 38). All are from Benton Harbor.

The preliminary result of the fire investigation is that the cause of the fire is undetermined.

Still waiting for the final report from the state Fire Marshal.BHDPS has connected the family with grief counseling. Our prayers continue to go out to the family in this extremely difficult tim

(11-1-20) On Sunday November 1, 2020 at 4:53AM, the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire at 185 Bellview in the city of Benton Harbor. The structure was a duplex, with a family of four living in the upstairs apartment. Upon arrival, firefighters attempted to make entry to search for any occupants and to begin an interior attack. However, the heat and flames were such that it prevented entry into the structure.

Moments later, the second floor collapsed down to the first floor.
Three of the occupants perished in the fire. The victims include a 30-year-old mother, a 15-year-old son, and a 12-year-old daughter. The father is the sole survivor and is being treated for smoke inhalation and a minor injury.
The names of the decedents will not be released at this time out of respect for the family.


The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by BHDPS and the Michigan State Police Fire Marshal.


BHDPS was assisted by the Benton Township Fire Department and St. Joseph Department of Public Safety. BHDPS would like to thank BTFD, SJDPS for their assistance fighting this fire.


We also want to thank the St. Joseph McDonald’s for donating food to the firefighters who worked the scene and the subsequent investigation.