Porch focus of adult foster home fire investigation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The investigation into a fatal fire at a Grand Rapids adult foster care home should be complete Tuesday, but it may be hard to determine exactly what caused it.

Investigators think the early Saturday fire sparked in the front porch area of the house on Widdicomb Avenue NW north of 11th Street. Testing found high levels of heat in that area, which means whatever started the fire may have disintegrated. Additionally, the high-pressure water used to douse the flames may have moved or destroyed evidence.

Two people were killed in the fire: Michael Kolenbrander, 19, and a 62-year-old man whose name hasn't been released. Family members say Kolenbrander made it out, but then went back in to try to save the 62-year-old, who was on the second floor.

Wind was also a factor in the fire.

Full story on WOODTV


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