House Fire at 2200 Regent St

December 20, 2017 by Jon Thurn

KALAMAZOO, MI: On December 20, 2017, at about 1145 AM, Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the 2200 block of Regent Street for a house fire. Arriving officers found a single story, residential home with smoke coming from all sides. Officers learned that all the residents had evacuated. Officers initiated a simultaneous interior and exterior fire attack. Fire was found in the living room and attic areas. The bulk of the fire was extinguished quickly. Overhaul required officers to pull ceiling to find the last of the burning material.

Fire Marshall Jim Williams investigated the cause of the fire. He determined that the fire was electrical. The residents had stapled Christmas lights to the wall damaging the outer jacket of the cord. The fire quickly spread to the Christmas Tree and then to the attic. Additionally, residents delayed calling 911 to try and put the fire out by themselves. Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the fire.

The fire is not considered suspicious and the investigation is closed by the Fire Marshall.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

Authority: Lt. Diaz
Date: December 20, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139

1500 N Pitcher St Fire

October 8, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

On October 06, 2017, at approximately 8:00 P.M., the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to Graphic Packaging, in the 1500 Block of N. Pitcher, regarding a fire alarm. Upon arrival it was found that paper had ignited inside the building. Thankfully the buildings sprinkler system activated and controlled the fire until officers could reach it. A forklift was used to separate the bails and the fire was quickly extinguished. No damage was done to the building itself and there were no injuries.

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. No foul play is suspected.

Authority: Lt. Lance Handlogten

Date: October 06, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8142

Dog Alerts Residents To Fire

August 21, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Sunday, August 20, 2017 at approximately 7:22 A.M., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Cedaridge on report of a house fire. KDPS received information that there was smoke showing and that the residents were evacuating the home. Upon arrival, Public Safety Officers found that the stove was on fire.

A resident told officers that after making her morning coffee, she was in the basement with her dog when the dog began to bark and act as if something was wrong. The resident went to investigate and found the stove on fire. Another resident was then able to use a fire extinguisher to knock down the flames which prevented a larger fire and significant damage. Public Safety Officers were able to use a fire extinguisher to put out the remainder of the fire.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reminds everyone that it is an excellent idea to have a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen area as well as having working smoke detectors on each level of your home.

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: Sgt. Michael Treu

Date: August 20, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8142

Public Safety Officer Spots Fire in the Distance

April 17, 2017 by Jon Thurn

Kalamazoo, MI: On Monday April 17, 2017 at approximately 9:45 a.m., a Kalamazoo Public Safety officer spotted heavy smoke in the distance while standing outside of Engine Station 7 which is located on Parkview Dr. Upon investigation, a fully engulfed single story home was found in the 2400 block of Crest Dr. Flames could be seen from all sides of the home and heavy smoke conditions made it difficult for Public Safety Officers to gain entry. Suppression measures were taken and the fire was eventually extinguished. No one was home during this fire and there was no one injured. At this time the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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. Dave Thomas
Date: April 17, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8142

W. Walnut St House Fire

March 21, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at 7:21 a.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to a report of a house fire in the 700 block of W. Walnut St. On arrival they found the interior of the residence fully engulfed in fire. Officers made entry to search for residents and extinguish the fire but were forced back because of hoarding conditions and structural concerns due to the fire. Public Safety officers were able control the fire enough to make entry after approximately one hour. Upon making entry and searching the residence one subject was found deceased on the first floor. Public Safety officers still remain on scene conducting overhaul of the structure. The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by the Kalamazoo Public Safety Fire Marshal.

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.

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The victim of the fatal house fire has been identified as 85 year old William Hull of Kalamazoo, MI. Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hull. The Fire Marshal continues to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.

By authority of: Lt. Michael Kelley

Date: March 21, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, 337-8140