A portable propane heater inside a small tent next to an abandoned Detroit building erupted in flames yesterday, killing one person and badly burning another, according to police. Officers initially treated the call as an explosion before investigators determined the injuries were caused by a propane heater being used at the site.
Police Response And Initial Confusion
Police and emergency crews rushed to the area of Brainard Street and 4th Avenue near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard just after 3 p.m., according to WXYZ. Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes called it “an unfortunate tragic incident” and confirmed that one person had died and the other was hospitalized with severe burns as crews worked the scene.
Officers first responded to reports of what sounded like an explosion and briefly suspected an electrocution or possible utility theft at the vacant structure. Those theories were later ruled out, and investigators concluded the injuries were caused by a propane heater fire. The surviving victim is expected to recover, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
What Investigators Found
Crews discovered a tent with melted plastic and personal items near the abandoned building and removed several propane canisters and a heater from the scene, according to WXYZ. Authorities have not said whether the two people were living at the site, and the Detroit Fire Department has taken the lead on the technical investigation.
Safety Context
The Detroit Fire Department has repeatedly warned that alternative heating devices and portable fuel-burning appliances are a common cause of winter fires. Its guidance notes that the city recorded dozens of residential fires tied to alternative heating sources last year. The department’s safety pages include tips for using heaters and avoiding carbon monoxide and fire risks, according to the Detroit Fire Department.
Investigators remained at the scene Wednesday night as crews continued to examine the device and the building’s exterior. Video coverage of the response was posted by CBS News Detroit. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and that additional details will be released after families are notified and investigators finish their work.
