Fatal Apartment Fire Classified as Accidental

The cause and origin of a fatal apartment fire that occurred on Erie Street in Port Huron on January 4th, earlier this year, has been classified as accidental. Upon investigation, the Fire Marshall’s Office is reporting that flammables in proximity to a heat source (stovetop) were the cause of the fire that killed a 64-year-old man, but the cause of death is still under investigation pending further information from the St. Clair County Medical Examiner.

Crews from the Port Huron Fire Department were dispatched just before 1:45 a.m. January 4 to 918 Erie Street for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, no fire was visible from the exterior of the building, but one was found in a downstairs apartment that carried into an upstairs apartment, as well. The victim was the occupant of the downstairs apartment. Port Huron and Fort Gratiot Townships Fire Departments’ also assisted.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley