COLDWTER, MI (WTVB) – The cause of a Coldwater house fire which took place early Monday morning was accidental and electrical in nature.
Coldwater Fire Marshall Paul Dove says the fire started in the family room on the south side of the home at 189 East Washington Street.
Dove says furniture was lodged against an outlet and electrical fixture plugs. This caused the pinched wire to smolder and catch the furnishings on fire.
The Coldwater Fire Department says an occupant was taken to the Community Health Center of Branch County due to smoke inhalation before they arrived.
Firefighters were dispatched at 1:47 a.m. Heavy fire was showing from the entire front of the one story structure as well as from a vehicle parked near the home.
The property is owned by Ken Keeton, with the occupant listed as Ahmed Aboali.
A Coldwater Fire Department news release stated that multiple persons occupied the residence. The occupants were reported to be out of the structure when fire crews arrived, but it was searched just to make sure everyone was out.
The fire was contained to the front of the home, where there was significant damage, as well as damage to a vehicle parked in the driveway.
Fire officials say no working smoke detectors were found, but the home was insured. Eleven firefighters were on the scene for three hours.
Coldwater City Police and Life Care Ambulance were also sent to the scene.
