Officials: No injuries in fire at 555 Building

Birmingham — There were no injuries reported after a fire heavily damaged upper-level units Thursday morning at the luxury 555 Building in downtown Birmingham, according to officials.

The blaze sparked on the 14th or 15th floor around 10:15 a.m. at 555 Old Woodward, Assistant Chief John Donohue said. Units in the building's South Tower, at southeast corner were charred and soaked with water, but it was not immediately clear if the apartments were occupied.

The building is under construction for a remodeling project, according to police. A representative with the building declined to comment.

The top four floors of the building were evacuated as crews fought the fire, which was extinguished by noon. Officials aren't yet sure if the fire originated at the interior or exterior of the building, Donohue said. It remained under investigation Thursday afternoon.

Live video from the location showed smoke billowing from corner units toward the top of the high-rise. Two firefighters went up in a bucket to bust out windows and spray water into the building, where additional crew members could be seen working inside. The smoke cleared, leaving behind a charred facade.

Seven different communities responded to the scene, Donohue said.

North and southbound Woodward was closed early Thursday afternoon between Maple and Lincoln. Northbound Old Woodward also was closed along the same stretch, police said.

The 555 Building hosts luxury apartments ranging from studio to three-bedrooms, according to its website. There also are a number of commercial spaces, including Triple Nickel restaurant and the Center for Yoga studio. 

hfournier@detroitnews.com

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