Late Afternoon Fire at Whispering Pines Displaces 14 Residents

COLDWATER, Mich., June 21, 2025 – A quiet Friday evening was shattered for residents of the Whispering Pines apartment complex when a fire broke out in a second-story unit, leading to a significant response from local fire departments and displacing 14 individuals.

The Coldwater Fire Department, with assistance from the Quincy and Bronson Fire Departments, was dispatched to 199 Whispering Pines Drive, Apartment G, at approximately 5:11 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025. Arriving crews were met with heavy smoke and visible flames emanating from the rear of the apartment building.

Firefighters mounted an aggressive interior attack and were able to bring the blaze under control within about 30 minutes. However, the damage was substantial. The apartment where the fire originated suffered extensive damage, while three adjacent units sustained both fire and water damage.

Officials have estimated the structural damage to the building at $75,000, with an additional $25,000 in damage to the contents of the affected apartments.

According to a statement from the Coldwater Fire Department, the cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, originating from a malfunctioning cell phone.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents or first responders.

The fire, however, has left a significant human toll. A total of 14 residents from the four impacted apartments have been displaced. Victim Services of Branch County was on the scene to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the fire, helping to secure temporary housing and other essential needs.

Crews remained on the scene until approximately 9:35 p.m. to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and to begin their investigation. The quick and coordinated response from the three fire departments was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading further throughout the complex.

The community is now beginning to rally around the displaced residents as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.