Auburn business owner to give away free smoke detectors after deaths of 4 children in mobile home fire

AUBURN, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - An Auburn man is lending a helping hand after Thursday’s fire at a mobile home that left four children dead.

At this point, we do not know whether the mobile home had working smoke detectors, but the owner of Auburn General Discount Store Mike Baker, is stepping up to make sure that if your family needs one, you’ll be able to get it for free.

Inside Westedge Mall, you’ll likely find Baker hard at work at the store. You might also notice his daughter’s art right behind the check out counter. She is one of his five children.

“I just couldn’t imagine the heartbreak of losing a child, let alone four,” Baker said.

When he found out what happened at the Dupont Estates Mobile Home Park, he wanted to turn his grief into action.

“I love my community and surrounding community and I just want to help,” Baker said.

That’s why he bought smoke detectors to give away to customers for free. This potential life saving giveaway is starting with 20 smoke detectors and Baker says he’ll have another 20 on store shelves soon. He says he plans to get more if he runs out.

“Growing up, I needed help and the community helped me and I just want to give back,” Baker said. “We’re just a small family ran business, we’re not trying to get rich as you can tell by our prices. We’re hear to help.”

The Auburn General Discount Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 p.m.

Copyright 2022 Fort Wayne’s NBC. All rights reserved.