An early morning house fire on the south side of Grand Rapids, MI has claimed the life of a 56-year-old man. Firefighters were called to the scene in the 800 block of Bates Street SE just before 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30.
Grand Rapids Fire Chief John Lehman told local media that the victim, who was home alone at the time of the fire, was discovered on the first floor of the home. The flames entered the walls of the home and quickly spread to the second floor. The source of the fire has not yet been determined.
Heating sources are a common cause of winter house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).Half of all home heating fires occur between December and February. Heating equipment is involved in one-sixth of home fires and one-fifth of home fire deaths.
Sometimes home heating fires are caused by a defective product, a gas leak, or construction or repair work that was performed incorrectly. Under these circumstances, family members may have cause to file a claim.
Source: http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/grand-rapids-south/1-killed-after-early-morning-house-fire-on-grand-rapids-south-side/394440282