Advertisement

A passerby phoned 9-1-1 dispatchers 5:23 p.m. when he noticed heavy smoke billowing from the roof of Glenn Best's home.

The flare-up is thought to have started while Best was preparing dinner.

"The homeowner was cooking chicken and he spilled the grease," said Lapeer City Fire and Rescue Captain Tom Wittke. "The fire got bigger and the vent fan sucked the smoke outside and the grease fire spread through the walls."

Best, who was alone in his home, suffered minor injuries when he slipped and fell in an attempt to put out the blaze.

"He was treated on site by Lapeer County EMS," Wittke said. "He was okay. He didn't require hospitalization."

Lapeer was assisted by the Deerfield Fire Department. Up to 25 firefighters were on the scene for about one hour.

Preliminary estimates indicate the accident caused about $20,000 in damages to the structure and $5,000 to its contents.

"It burned out all the cupboards, the stove, and there is a lot of smoke damage," Wittke said. "There's also damage to the siding, the front deck and the attic."

The house is covered by insurance.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com