Kalamazoo, MI: On 12-19-2016, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to a report of a fire at approximately 10:55 p.m. in the 1700 block of N. Rose Street. Calls via 911 reported that someone may be trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire conditions in the home. The fire had already vented out 3 sides of the home, making conditions inside the home untenable for firefighters to enter the building. Attempts were made to enter the home, but fire conditions were too intense. A defensive fire attack commenced in frigid weather conditions. Two residents were reported in the home at the time. One resident was able to exit and the second resident was believed to still be inside the home. Fire crews were able to get the fire under control in about an hour. During overhaul, firefighters located the body of a male subject inside the residence.
Fire crews were on scene for several hours investigating the fire and extinguishing hot spots. Officers have made identification on the male, being the 60 year old resident of the home. The victim’s name is not being released pending notification of the family. The cause of the fire and the man’s death are currently under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.
Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Lt. Sean Gordon
Date: December 20th, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139
