January 9, 2015, Canton, MI – This morning at approximately 10 a.m., Canton received a 9-1-1 call reporting a house fire in the 47000 block of Waddington. Firefighters arrived on scene of the single family residence with smoke visible from the attached garage. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire with 1-3/4” hose lines, while also battling the cold temperatures. The house was vacant at the time of the fire. The homeowners arrived on scene and spoke with firefighters. Damage was contained to the attached garage, with the cause of origin still under investigation. One firefighter was transported from the scene for an injury received due to the icy conditions created from extinguishing the fire.
At approximately 1 p.m., Canton received another 9-1-1 call reporting a house fire in the 42000 block of Metaline. Firefighters arrived on scene of the single family residence with flames visible from the home. Fire crews made entry into the home with 1-3/4” hand lines and extinguished the fire, keeping it contained to a bedroom and hallway. The cause of this fire is believed to have been related to a space heater running in a second floor bedroom. Fortunately, working smoke detectors quickly alerted the homeowner who was able to rescue a 2-year old sleeping in the bedroom filled with smoke and flames. Canton paramedics transported the toddler to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
“There is no doubt the smoke detectors in this house saved the young child’s life today,” said Deputy Fire Chief Chris Stoecklein. “This tragic event can serve as a reminder to the importance of having working smoke detectors on every floor, and in every bedroom,” Stoecklein adds.
Canton Fire Department also reminds residents to use extreme caution with space heaters in residential areas.
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