On Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 around 7:05 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 1000 block of Denner St for a report of a structure fire. When officers arrived on scene they found heavy smoke coming from a two-story residence. Concerned neighbors advised that the homeowner, a 65 year-old female, was likely still inside the home. Fire suppression and rescue efforts were immediately started. It was quickly found that the fire had already advanced in the basement causing a partial floor collapse on the first floor. The collapse greatly limited rescue and fire suppression capabilities. Rescue efforts were additionally hindered by severe hoarding conditions inside the home. The homeowner was later found deceased inside the residence. The name of the homeowner is not being released at this time until all family notifications can be made.
Firefighters were on scene for several hours conducting fire fighting operations. Operations on scene were hampered by the cold weather which caused delays in water supply due to hydrants being frozen. One firefighter sustained a minor injury while on the scene; however medical attention was not required. The fire cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds
Date: Tuesday, March 05, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Acting Captain Sean Gordon, Operations Division, 269-337-8120
