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2 killed in fire at adult foster care facility in Grand Rapids

According to police, discarded smoking material on the porch is said to be the cause of the double fatal fire.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Two people were killed in a large house fire that started around 1 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1018 Widdicomb Street NW in Grand Rapids.

Witnesses say that the home serves as an adult foster care facility. 13 ON YOUR SIDE was told the home houses nearly 12 people. The couple that owns it live there with their three young children. All made it out safely.

Neighbors say the husband tried to rescue all the occupants, but the fire became too intense.

According to police, discarded smoking material on the porch is said to be the cause of the double fatal fire.

The two victims, 69-year-old Daniel Foster and 19-year-old Michael Kolenbrander, were residents of the home. They lived upstairs.

State records show the facility was inspected back in June of 2018 and the license was renewed in July. In the report, the licensing consultant wrote, "The study has determined substantial compliance with applicable licensing statutes and rules."

"They are very nice people,” said Alma Knight. She and her husband Kenneth live next door. She says the couple would check on her. "I fall a lot, so they would help me get up and stuff like that."

"It's a tragedy. It's awful," said Kenneth.

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