Sterling Heights Firefighters rescued an elderly woman who was trapped on the second-floor balcony of her condominium after the unit below hers caught fire late Saturday, according to fire officials.
The 75-year-old woman was not injured in the incident at Seville Terrace Condominiums on 15 Mile Road between Maple Lane and Dodge Park roads. Eight families were temporarily displaced but have since been allowed back into their residences, said Assistant Fire Chief Ed Miller.
Fire officials said a fire broke out in the first-floor unit directly beneath the woman's residence about 11 p.m. and was spreading rapidly to the second floor, with heavy smoke filling the building.
"She opened the door leading into the common area, but found there was too much smoke in the hallway, so she went out onto the balcony because it was the best way out of the building for her," Miller said.
A fire crew extended a ladder to the balcony and two firefighters climbed up.