Press Release: House Explosion in the 2700 block of Shimmons Road Under Investigation Media Contact: Chief Ellen Taylor, Auburn Hills Fire Department, 248.364.6860, etaylor@auburnhills.org

Auburn Hills, MI—November 9 , 2020— At 12:00 PM on November 9, 2020 the Auburn Hills Fire Department (AHFD) was dispatched to the 2700 block of Shimmons Road for a reported house explosion. Personnel arrived on scene to find a working fire at a single-story house with a basement. The walls to the structure displayed outward implosion movement and were unstable. The residents reported that everyone was out of house. The fire was contained quickly by AHFD personnel by utilizing a defensive approach of attack; meaning no personnel entered the unstable structure to put out the fire. One occupant suffered significant burns and was transported for medical care. No injuries were reported to fire personnel. 

The following surrounding Fire Departments assisted AHFD with additional fire personnel to assist at the scene; to provide medical care and transportation; and to provide Auburn Hills’ emergency call coverage: Rochester Hills Fire Department, Bloomfield Township Fire Department, and the City of Rochester Fire Department. The City of Auburn Hills’ Police Department, Department of Public Works, and Community Development Departments assisted on the scene as well. Consumer Energy and the Diversified Energy Company (DTE) assisted on scene to disconnect utility services. 

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The Oakland County Sheriff Department and Auburn Hills Police Department have been asked to assist AHFD on the ongoing explosion investigation.