(12-24-21) On Thursday 12-23-21 the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety was dispatched to a fire alarm at 300 River Terrace – the River Terrace High-Rise.

While on route the Berrien County 9-1 -1 Center upgraded the response to a Structure Fire as they were receiving multiple 911 calls. On arrival Benton Harbor units requested a Box Alarm bringing St. Joseph DPS and Benton Twp. FD to the scene. Lincoln Twp. FD and Medic 1 ambulance also responded.

Units found heavy smoke conditions on the 2nd floor and fire in one apartment. The fire was knocked down and brought under control in about 15 minutes. BHDPS and mutual aid companies remained on scene for about 2 hours clearing smoke from the 2nd and 3rd floors, overhauling the fire apartment and conducting the fire investigation. The Red Cross and River Terrace management were working to assist the tenants that were displaced by this fire. The fire appears to have started from the resident falling asleep while smoking.

BHDPS encourages ALL residents to have working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and we have over 360 in stock to supply to our residents. Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives!Photos attached courtesy of BHDP