KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A spreading house fire led to multiple fire crews responding to the scene on Kalamazoo’s Northside late Tuesday night.
Firefighters were called to a vacant home on West North Street and Staples Avenue around 11:30 p.m. where it was completely engulfed in flames. They struggled to contain the blaze as it spread to four other homes.
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.
Kalamazoo Public Safety officers and emergency personnel blocked off West North Street to traffic during the response.
The Kalamazoo County Central Dispatch Authority asked people to avoid the area as they battled the blaze and nearby residents were told to evacuate. KDPS was assisted by the Kalamazoo Township Fire Department and the Oshtemo Township Fire Department.
The cause is still unknown and it is considered suspicious at this time.
In addition, another suspicious fire broke out in the Edison Neighborhood.
That occurred a couple hours later when first responders were called to Stockbridge Avenue and Race Street and found the vacant home on fire. No injuries were reported.
The Fire Marshall’s Office is now investigating. Anyone with more information should contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
