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Mich. firefighter dies during strip mall fire

The cause of the fire has not been released and investigators remain on the scene

WESTLAND, Mich. — A firefighter was killed Wednesday morning while tackling a strip mall fire.

Detroit Free Press reported that Brian Woehlke, 29, had been a Wayne-Westland firefighter for 10 months. Woehlke was a husband, father of one, and is the first firefighter to fall in the line of duty in the City of Westland Fire Department’s 47-year history, according to the report.

Firefighter Woehlke called a mayday during the blaze at about 9 a.m. after a roof collapsed, according to the report.

FOX 2 reported his body was later recovered around 12:40 p.m. by crews at The Electric Stick charity poker hall.

The cause of the fire, which also destroyed a neighboring Italian restaurant, is not yet known, according to the report.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, as well as the first responders of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department who are mourning the loss of fellow firefighter Brian Woehlke,” Mayor William Wild said.

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