Residents safe after garage fire consumes Grand Rapids home
A family in Grand Rapids Township, Michigan, is safe after escaping an overnight fire that started in their garage and ended up destroying their entire home.
Reports say the blaze somehow ignited in the family's garage at about 2 a.m., but it quickly spread to the entire structure. Firefighters were warned before heading into the home that there was a full propane tank and five vehicles - one with a full tank of gas - sitting in the garage and in the driveway, according to the Grand Rapid Press. Some even heard small explosions emanating from the garage while they sought to put out the flames.
Investigators have still not determined a cause for the fire, which left the family homeless and also destroyed some of their cars. Homeowners insurance should provide them with funds needed for temporary housing while they get back on their feet.
Firefighters in the area were also busy fighting a separate blaze at a residence in Byron Township, also located in Kent County. According to WWMT-TV, that fire started in the chimney and damaged the home's roof, but its inhabitants were not harmed.
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