KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — [UPDATE 10:15am Mon 1/25/21] Kalamazoo investigators have provided an update about explosions that happened Sunday night at a homeless encampment in the city.
“After a thorough investigation, we determined the fire was caused because occupants of the homeless encampment were actively filling 1-pound propane tanks from a larger 20-pound tank near an open flame,” said Scott Brooks, Fire Marshal for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. “There was a failure with the improvised adapter on one of the propane tanks causing an explosion. Due to the intense heat from the fire, 15 other 1-pound propane tanks exploded.”
As a reminder, the Fire Marshal strongly encourages using the proper propane refueling centers and not utilizing improvised devices.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Kalamazoo police and fire crews had a busy night Sunday, responding to two separate fires within an hour.
The first one happened at a homeless encampment where explosions had been reported. At around 6:30, emergency responders were called to 74 Mills St. for a tent on fire and propane tanks exploding. They were able to bring the fire under control within 10 minutes. One person suffered minor injuries and was treated and released on site by ambulance personnel. Three people were taken to a local hotel for the night as their property had significant damage. The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation.
At around 7:30, fire officials were called to a home in the 800 block of E. Stockbridge. It appeared the attic had caught on fire and it was brought under control within 30 minutes. The occupants were home at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported.
The cause of both fires, which do not appear to be related, is still under investigation.
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