Detroit honors First Responders who rescued and provided care for 13 people following Littlefield apartment explosion

Crews honored for lifesaving actions March 31
Families who were rescued and cared for shared their stories at media event

City officials, residents, and community leaders gathered today at the Adams-Butzel Recreation Center to honor the heroic actions of Detroit Fire and EMS personnel who rescued and provided emergency care and transport to 13 individuals—six of them children—following a devastating apartment explosion on March 31, 2025.

The incident occurred at 3:59 a.m. at 13910 Littlefield Street, where a powerful explosion—determined to be gas-related—partially collapsed a 12-unit apartment building. First responders arrived in under six minutes to a chaotic scene. Initial 911 reports indicated a vehicle crash, but quickly escalated to include multiple reports of trapped residents hanging from second-story windows and calling for help.

First Responders honored pic1 — Mayor Mike Duggan, Councilmember Fred Durhal, III and Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms recognized Fire Operations members who responded to the Littlefield apartment explosion March 31 and executed extraordinary rescues in quick and collaborative fashion.

Battalion Chief 4, Percy Warmack, assumed Incident Command on arrival, and initiated rescue efforts. The response was quickly upgraded to a commercial alarm. Crews from Engine 40, Ladder 25, Squad 1, and multiple other companies deployed aerial and ground ladders to rescue residents—including four children passed out through a bathroom window—and used improvised ladder ramps to evacuate individuals over the collapsed section of the building. A small fire was extinguished on the right side of the structure. All 13 residents were successfully rescued and received treatment, thanks to swift triage and transport by a team of Detroit EMS Supervisors and medic units, under the leadership of EMS Supervisor Captain Glen Goodson. Tragically, one resident, Brandon Bradwell, lost his fight for life in late April, about a month after the explosion.

Drones equipped with thermal imaging were deployed to thoroughly scan the structure for hot spots before fire crews cleared the scene. The building was later declared structurally unsound and demolished. The coordinated and courageous actions of all responding units undoubtedly saved lives.

First Responders honored pic2 — Mayor Mike Duggan meets Detroit resident Jameliah Hines, who was critically injured in the March 31st blast. Her daughters Allison and Madison, as well as her brother (and Detroit Firefighter) Jalon Alexander.

This team saved lives that day

Speaking at today’s ceremony, Mayor Mike Duggan praised the first responders and acknowledged the sweeping progress the Detroit Fire Department has made since he took office. “The professionalism and bravery shown by our firefighters, medics, and command staff on March 31 are the result of years of investment and commitment to rebuilding this department. Since 2014, we’ve overhauled equipment, training, and emergency protocols—and the results speak for themselves. That morning, this team saved lives. I also want to thank every other city agency that stepped up to support our residents in their time of need.”

First Responders honored pic3 — Detroit Fire Chief David Nelson meets 6-year-old Kayden Jones and his mother Dymond Washington. Kayden and his 2-year-old brother Koda were passed from mother to firefighters on ladders following the explosion.

The Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department (HRD) was on site within hours, conducting resident outreach and helping the displaced families find temporary shelter. Since then, HRD staff have worked directly with tenants to identify and secure permanent housing solutions as they rebuild their lives.

“I was on Littlefield that morning,” said City Councilmember Fred Durhal III, who represents the district where the explosion occurred. “I saw firsthand the calm, professional, and absolutely fearless work of our first responders. They didn’t hesitate for a second. We owe them a debt of gratitude not just today, but every day.”

First Responders honored pic4 — Detroit resident Jameliah Hines, Senior Chief Craig Binder, Fire Chief David Nelson and Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. As Hines thanked DFD leadership, they praised her for her strength and offered prayers for the loss of her fiancé, Brandon Bradwell.

A Model of Courage and Teamwork
Fire and EMS companies recommended for Unit Commendation include:
Chiefs: C04, C02, Senior Chief
EMS Supervisors: 1103, 1104, 1105, 1107
Engines: E40, E42, E53, E55
Ladders: L25, L17
Squads: S01, S05
EMS Units: M03, M04, M05, M07, M10, M54
Haz-Mat Crew

During the ceremony, Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms presented unit commendation plaques to company representatives and delivered his own message of thanks. “The skill, composure, and pure heart shown by our members in the face of danger exemplify the best of what this department stands for. We train for moments like this, but nothing can fully prepare you for that level of chaos. Yet our teams performed flawlessly—rescuing residents, extinguishing fire, deploying drones, and rendering care—all before the sun came up. I’m proud beyond words.”

Residents Jameliah Hines and Dymond Washington provided remarks and thanked the first responders for their swift response and wonderful care.

City officials also took time to recognize the late Brandon Bradwell, a resident who tragically lost his life due to injuries sustained in the explosion. Prayers were offered for his family and for those still on the path to physical and emotional recovery.

First Responders honored pic6 — Ms. Hines was excited to see the Paramedic who treated her that morning, Dalana Gumina, to personally express thanks - and share a hug. Paramedic Gumina was so happy to see Ms. Hines on the road to recovery.