EMMETT TOWNSHIP (WKZO-AM) — Investigators are blaming a faulty water heater for a fire that killed a nine-year-old Emmett Township girl.
Emmett Township Public Safety Sgt. Brady Keys said it happened last weekend. He said weak flooring caused the heavy appliance to shift, causing a gas leak.
The leak resulted in fast-moving flames trapping Brettlyn Rench in her room.
Her mom, 44-year-old Melinda Girdham, remains in serious condition at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after attempting to save the child.
– John McNeill
