City Seeks Ownership Information on House Destroyed by Fire

UPDATE, 9:45 a.m.: Well that was fast. Chief Chuck Thomas called to inform Patch that a relative has contacted the city regarding the property at 606 Marlin.

8 a.m.: At Monday's Royal Oak City Commission meeting, City Manager Don Johnson appealed for residents' help in locating the owners of a house located at 606 Marlin Ave., near 12 Mile and Rochester roads, that was destroyed by a fire on Friday.

"We understand the owner passed away about three weeks ago. We're sure that it wouldn't have cleared probate yet," Johnson told commissioners.

The building is in very dangerous condition after its second story partially collapsed onto the first floor during the blaze, said Fire Chief Chuck Thomas by telephone Tuesday morning.

"When we arrived the foundation had separated, which made it unsafe for us to go inside," Thomas said. "There was not much we could do."

The house was unoccupied and no one was injured.

"Usually when no one is home, we are able to talk to neighbors and get contact information about the owner," Thomas said. "In this case, because the owner is deceased, we are looking for a relative, such as a son or daughter or a brother or sister that we can talk to."

The fire department has been unable to go inside the house. At this point in time, there is no known cause for the fire. The incident remains under investigation. 

Johnson said because of the condition of the building a hearing will be necessary in the next couple of weeks to have the house demolished.

Anyone who has information on who may have an ownership interest in the building should call the City Manager at 248-246-3205 or email donj@romi.gov.