Sturgis – Fire victim identified

The victim of an early Sunday morning fire has been identified. Travis Williams, age 53, died in the fire.

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. Sunday at a sub-divided house on West West Street at North Street.

The Sturgis Department of Public Safety said first-arriving firefighters noticed heavy smoke and flames in an upstairs apartment. Upon entry, fire officials found Williams, who was not breathing.

He was taken to the hospital, where he subsequently died. Officials said one firefighter needed treatment at the hospital for smoke inhalation after helping pull the man from the building.

Crews were able to contain the fire to the apartment where it started and an attic area. Cause of the fire had not yet been determined, but firefighters say it does not appear to have been suspicious.

Three families who live in the building were displaced. They are getting help from the county victims’ services department and the American Red Cross.