BATAVIA TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – The cause of a structure fire in Batavia Township early Friday morning resulted in the death of 59-year-old Cindy Herman remains under investigation.
The Bronson Fire Department was dispatched at 4:49 a.m. to 455 West Chicago Road, where crews arrived to discover heavy fire showing on a two-story house, two fully engulfed vehicles in the driveway, and a detached garage also ablaze.
Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber says one occupant managed to escape the burning home by jumping out a first-floor window, while the second occupant remained unaccounted for upon the arrival of fire personnel.
Wilber says due to the intense heat and extensive clutter within the house, the firefighters’ advance was restricted during their primary search, and two Coldwater firefighters sustained minor burns while battling the blaze.
Over 150,000 gallons of water were utilized to extinguish the fire, with tankers from Union City, Colon, Burr Oak, Lakeland, and Sherwood fire departments providing mutual aid alongside an engine from Coldwater fire.
Additional support was provided by multiple units from Lifecare Ambulance and the Branch County Sheriff’s Department, including the Victim Services Unit. Crews were on scene for five and a half hours, while the Branch County Road Commission shut down US-12 with barricades.
The home and its contents were a total loss, and a lack of working smoke alarms was noted.
The Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit is currently handling the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, and the American Red Cross is offering assistance to those affected.
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