KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — An investigation into the cause of recent structure fires in Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood is now thought to be an act of arson, MLive reported Wednesday.
Last week, a suspicious structure fire took place in a vacant home around 11:30 p.m., which caused four other houses nearby to ignite as well.
Four of the homes were vacant but one of the homes that was completely destroyed was occupied. Authorities say an 84-year-old Kalamazoo resident was displaced from her home of over 40 years.
The fifth house only received minor damage from the heat of the fire.
Fire Marshal Scott Brooks told MLive Tuesday that the fire is now thought to be intentionally set. He said that because the home was condemned and vacant with all utilities shut off, he believes the fire had some human cause.
All homes affected were demolished later on that day, which Brooks said was necessary to completely extinguish the fires. He said that because the house were old, they were all going to collapse on each other.
He also added that only one fire was set, which was the 912 N. Street location. The rest of the buildings catching on fire was a result of just that structure.
Meanwhile, another fire that took place that same night is now thought to be unrelated to that incident. The fire that took place at Diapers Unlimited Dydee Services is believed to be the result of maintenance issues.
One of the buildings that was destroyed was set to become an affordable housing unit, but plans have been announced to rebuild it for that purpose. Two separate GoFundMe campaigns have been set up for both the affordable housing project and the displaced resident.
More information on both of those campaigns can be viewed here.
