x
Breaking News
More () »

BODY CAM: Space heater believed to have caused Kentwood fire that killed 2

There were 11 people inside the home at the time of the fire, which claimed the lives of a 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old woman.

KENTWOOD, Mich. — New details are emerging about deadly fire in Kentwood that killed a 12-year-old and a 19-year-old early Monday morning. 

Investigators now say they don't believe foul play was involved.

13 On Your Side has also obtained body cam video of first responders that helped on the scene.

Investigators with the Kentwood Fire Department say their initial investigation shows that the fire was accidental, and that they are looking into possible electrical issues after finding a space heater near where the fire started.

The fire happened just before 3:30 a.m. at a home in the 400 block of 48th Street SE.

Authorities say there were 11 people inside the home at the time. Tragically, only nine made it out safely. 

According to family friends, the Silvas, the victims were 12-year-old Ashlee Duran and 19-year-old Nety Chavez. They say Chavez was a cousin visiting from Mexico.

Investigators say both girls were killed from smoke inhalation. 

Shortly after the fire, the Silvas set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for the family's funeral expenses and funds to send the body of the 19-year-old girl back to her parents in Mexico. 

In addition to the fundraiser, friends and loved ones are asking anyone with clothes, food and water to donate to the family as they lost everything in the fire. 

Here is a list of their needs: 

Infant formula ,Baby girl - 0-3 months, Girl's - 7t/8t, Boy's - Large, Women's - Medium, Women's - Large, Men's - Medium, Women's - 2xl, Men's - xl/2xl

Silva said to message her on the GoFundMe account for the address to drop off any donations. 

Flowers and a teddy bear were left outside the Kentwood home that caught fire earlier this week. The fire claimed the...

Posted by 13 On Your Side on Tuesday, November 29, 2022

First responder dash cam and body camera footage show the harrowing moments when crews made it to the scene of the fatal Kentwood fire. 

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out