Flint Building Erupts in Flames, Sending Black Smoke Across City

What started as a beautiful Sunday morning in Flint quickly turned into a scene that caught the attention of people across the city.

Abandoned Flint Laundromat Fire Sends Thick Black Smoke Across the City

Just after 9:30 a.m., thick black smoke began rising into the sky, creating a massive plume that could be seen for miles. Curious about what was happening, I drove toward the source of the smoke, expecting roads to be blocked. Instead, several other onlookers and I actually arrived before emergency crews reached the scene.

The fire broke out at the abandoned Halmony Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaner building on Atherton Road, just east of Dort Highway, next to The Men's Club.

Flint Firefighters Respond to Early Morning Blaze

The Flint Fire Department and Flint Police Department were dispatched after Genesee County 911 received reports of heavy smoke coming from the vacant building. As I got closer, the size of the smoke column was incredible. With almost no wind, the black cloud climbed straight into the sky, hanging over the area for quite some time.

Get our free mobile app

The smell was just as unforgettable. Burning wood, electrical materials, old laundry chemicals, and other debris created an odor that lingered long after arriving at the scene. More than a dozen vehicles pulled over as people watched firefighters stretch hoses, connect to nearby hydrants, and begin attacking the fire.

Smell of Smoke Still Lingered in the Area Monday Morning

When we returned to the property Monday morning, the smell of smoke still filled the air. Fortunately, because the building had been abandoned, no injuries or deaths have been reported.

Still, seeing a towering black cloud over Flint on a Sunday morning immediately raised concerns. The last time many residents saw smoke like that over the city was during last September's tragic attack on a local place of worship. Thankfully, this incident appears to have been limited to a vacant building.

Below you'll find a gallery from the scene showing the fire and its aftermath.