Friday Emergencies Tax West Bloomfield Fire Department

The West Bloomfield Fire Department was stretched to its limits Friday, responding to two major emergencies.

At 1:07 a.m., crews from fire stations 1 and 5, as well as a boat from fire station 9, responded to a call about a possible drowning on Walnut Lake. Rescue crews were assisted by the Keego Harbor Police Marine Unit, the Oakland County Sheriff Dive Team and Oakland County Sheriff Helicopter Air2.

While officers were searching for the drowning victim, the West Bloomfield Emergency Dispatch Center received a call at 3:51 a.m. about a house fire on the 4400 block of Pontiac Trail, in the City of Orchard Lake. Crews from the remaining three fire stations were dispatched, and a mutual aid request went out to Waterford and Bloomfield Township Fire Departments. 

Fire crews from Station 3 arrived within minutes of the call to find smoke and fire burned through the roof. Flames were seen as far away as Walnut Lake, by the crews responding to the possible drowning.

Homeowners were awakened by the smell of smoke and were contacted by their alarm company, which contacted the fire dispatch center.

Firefighters were able to control the fire, while trucks and equipment blocked traffic on Pontiac Trail for several hours during rush hour. The cause of the fire is still under investigation; no injuries were reported, and the home is presumed to be a total loss.

At around noon, sheriff's department divers recovered the body of Lucas Yuji Zaima, 21, in about 90 ft. of water.

The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region, was at Walnut Lake, providing canteen service and mental health support for those involved. Services remain available to family members, first responders and the community, if needed.