Monday morning blaze at Coldwater Township home deemed accidental

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – An early morning house fire Monday west of Coldwater that included injuries to one occupant of the residence and to a Coldwater firefighter, is being listed as an accidental blaze. The home at 379 Airview Drive in Coldwater Township was extensively damaged. The three people at the Richard Iwanicki residence were alerted shortly after midnight by a smoke detector and then said they heard a loud boom from the basement area. They were all outside when Coldwater firefighters reached the scene and discovered heavy smoke coming from structure. A woman who was injured while escaping the fire was treated at the Community Health Center of Branch County and one fireman received an eye injury but continued working. Entry into the structure was difficult due to sagging floors and the flames spread rapidly into the first floor and attic. The floors in the main living area collapsed. The cause of the fire is believed to have been related to flammable vapors from stain rags being ignited by the furnace pilot. Firefighters were on the job for 5 1/2 hours. The Bronson and Quincy Fire Departments provided mutual aid for water and manpower. Lifecare and the Branch County Sheriff’s Department Victim Services Unit also assisted.