Two Sunday fires under investigation

BATTLE CREEK — Two people were treated for smoke inhalation following a Sunday house fire on Capital Avenue NE.

Battle Creek firefighters were dispatched to the home in the 600 block of Capital Avenue NE at 11:19 a.m. Sunday and found heavy smoke and flames showing from the front and east side of the home, fire officials said in a news release.

Firefighters found a woman that was halfway inside the burning structure, in the rear of the building, and quickly took her to the front of the structure where they began treating her with oxygen, officials said.

An additional victim was rescued from the flames through a window by neighbors before firefighters arrived on scene. Both victims were transported to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and were treated for smoke inhalation.

Their conditions are not known at this time, officials said. No other injuries were reported.

The fire caused an estimated $109,758 in property damage and $36,878 in contents damage, per the fire department. There were previous reports of the home exploding; however, it is believed that the two explosions heard were medical oxygen tanks rupturing, officials said.

The fire remains under investigation at this time.

Firefighter sustains minor injury during duplex fire

A Battle Creek firefighter sustained a minor back injury early Sunday while responding to a structure fire at 9 South Place.

Firefighters arrived to find the duplex home on fire shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, with heavy fire and smoke pouring out of the rear of the structure.

As crews worked to extinguish the blaze, one firefighter sustained a minor back injury. He was treated on scene by Lifecare Ambulance and was released back to duty, officials said.

No residents were injured, but one cat perished in the fire, per the fire department. The fire caused an estimated $144,000 in property damage and $45,500 in contents damage, officials said.

The cause of fire remains under investigation.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Two Sunday fires under investigation