Household Chemical Too Close to Open Flame to Blame for Shelby House Fire

The Feb. 7 house fire that sent one Shelby Township resident to the hospital with second- and third-degree burns was accidental, fire department officials said Monday.

Investigators say it appears the resident was using a common household chemical too close to the water heater's open flame. The substance caught fire and the single-story home on Schimmel Avenue was quickly engulfed in flames.

The blaze took place around 9:15 p.m. Feb. 7.

Shelby firefighters rescued a male resident from the home and transported him to Beaumont Hospital in Troy. He was later transferred to the University of Michigan for further treatment.

The resident's current condition is unknown.

While early reports suggested there may have been other residents at home at the time of the fire, fire officials say that was not the case.

The fire department has closed its investigation, deeming the fire accidental. The police department is continuing its own investigation.

View photos of Shelby firefighters at the scene courtesy of freelance photographer Mike Ferdinande or see additional images at Facebook.com/metrodetroitfire.