Propane tanks explode as tent burns at Kalamazoo homeless encampment
Updated Jan 25, 2021;
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UPDATE: This story has been updated with the cause of the fire.
KALAMAZOO, MI – One person suffered minor injuries during a tent fire at a homeless encampment on Mills Street Sunday evening.
The fire, according to a news release from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, began while people were actively filling 1-pound propane tanks from a larger 20-pound tank near an open flame.
Several propane tanks then began to explode.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to a 6:32 p.m. report of a tent on fire and propane tanks exploding at 74 Mills Street. Police found flames coming from the site.
Explosions at Kalamazoo Homeless Camp Under Investigation
As reported by
WWMT News Channel 3, journalist Maria Serrano was already on scene reporting on the conditions at the homeless camp when a fire broke out. It was then that the crew heard what sounded like an explosion and proceeded to capture a few of the blasts on camera.
In a press release, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said that, thankfully, only one person was reported to have minor injuries. They were treated at the scene and released. Three others were taken to a local hotel since their property was severely damaged.
Kalamazoo Public Safety Fire Truck (Photo courtesy of John McNeill)
KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) The Kalamazoo Fire Marshal is investigating an additional fire that took place early Sunday.
Around 1:30 a.m., officers with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) were called to the 3400 Block of Random Road for a report of a structure fire. On arrival, smoke was seen coming from the roof and a bedroom.
Officials say the fire was located in the attic and brought under control in 10 minutes. They remained on the scene for another two hours.
The occupants were home at the time of the incident, but no injuries were reported.
Kalamazoo residents safely escape house fire
Updated Jan 25, 2021;
Posted Jan 25, 2021
Kalamazoo firefighters responded Sunday, Jan. 24, to a house fire on East Stockbridge Avenue. (Joel Bissell | MLive File Photo)Joel Bissell
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KALAMAZOO, MI – A fire Sunday, Jan. 24, damaged a house on East Stockbridge Avenue but everyone got out safely.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to a 7:39 p.m. report of a fire in the 800 block of East Stockbridge. Officers reports flames and smoke coming from the attic area.
Firefighters brought the fire under control with 30 minutes. They were on scene for about two hours.
Residents of the house were home but got out. No injuries were reported.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to 74 Mills St. for a report of a tent on fire and propane tanks exploding Sunday, Jan. 24 at approximately 6:32 p.m.
When officers arrived, flames were observed coming from the homeless encampment site, per a press release from KDPS.Â
A News Channel 3 crew was covering the encampment and the living conditions when the fire started. Flames erupted and several explosions went off in the air, WWMT reported.
KDPS officers entered the encampment area and were able to bring the fire under control within 10 minutes.
One person was reported with minor injuries and were treated and released by a local ambulance service. Three people were taken to a local hotel for the night as their property had significant damage.