Fire fatally injures 2-year-old, destroys mobile home in Howell - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Fire fatally injures 2-year-old, destroys mobile home in Howell

Posted: Updated:
The remains of a mobile home in Howell following an early morning fire.  (Credit: Fox 2 News) The remains of a mobile home in Howell following an early morning fire. (Credit: Fox 2 News)

By Maurielle Lue
Fox 2 News Reporter


LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mich. (WJBK) -- "I could hear screaming, 'My baby's burning,'" said Elise Roerink.

She could only describe what happened early Tuesday morning as horrifying.  Her neighbor's home was burning.  A mother, father and two young girls were screaming for help.

"I yelled for them to come over here and found them some shoes and some coats," Roerink said.  "Mom said, 'Take her, take her.'  She was so hysterical I don't think she knew what was going on, and I just said, 'I can't.  I don't want to hurt her.'"

A precious two-year-old girl nearly burned alive was rushed to an Ann Arbor hospital in critical condition.  Sadly, we've learned that toddler has died.

Roerink took the family in while other neighbors called for help and gave Howell firefighters information.

When crews arrived, the entire home was engulfed in flames.  The fire was so hot firefighters fell through the floor.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the blaze started in the bedroom where the mother was sleeping with her two daughters, and though it's a personal tragedy for this family, there's a lesson here for everyone.

"She woke up due to the heat and smoke inside the bedroom, so I think if we had working smoke alarms in the mobile home, this tragedy could've been diverted, maybe not the fire, but the injuries," said Less Rodell from the Howell Area Fire Department.

Fox 2 News staff contributed to this report.

  • Maurielle LueMaurielle Lue

  • Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
    The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
    The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 6:10 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:10:20 GMT
    Jeralean Talley was born May 23, 1899, and lives in Inkster, Michigan. On Thursday, she celebrated her 114th birthday.
    Jeralean Talley was born May 23, 1899, and lives in Inkster, Michigan. On Thursday, she celebrated her 114th birthday.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
    13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
    13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Saturday, May 25 2013 9:17 PM EDT2013-05-26 01:17:14 GMT
    Windsor and Detroit officials have submitted a bid to host Wrestlemania in 2015 and/or 2016. It has become one of the biggest sports entertainment events in the country.
    Windsor and Detroit officials have submitted a bid to host Wrestlemania in 2015 and/or 2016. It has become one of the biggest sports entertainment events in the country. Wrestlemania is the SuperBowl of sports and entertainment.
  • Saturday, May 25 2013 8:29 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:29:51 GMT
    A man accused of killing his wife and two children in Novi in 2008 has been extradited from India to Metro Detroit to face murder charges. His arrest could end a five-year-old murder mystery.
    A man accused of killing his wife and two children in Novi in 2008 has been extradited from India to Metro Detroit to face murder charges. His arrest could end a five-year-old murder mystery.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 11:58 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:58:44 GMT
    Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
    Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices