A quiet Tuesday evening in the Washington County town of Grant turned tragic on May 14 when a house fire claimed the life of a 73-year-old man. Fire crews pulled the lone occupant from the burning home, and medics rushed him to a St. Paul hospital, where he later died. State investigators have since ruled the blaze accidental, though they say they still cannot pinpoint what actually ignited it.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 73-year-old Michael Louis Weiss and listed his cause of death as smoke inhalation, according to Pioneer Press. The outlet also reported that the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Division completed a follow-up investigation, classifying the fire as accidental while leaving the exact ignition point undetermined.
Crews from the Stillwater Fire Department were dispatched around 6:45 p.m. to the 10000 block of 60th Street North, where they found Weiss unconscious near the main-floor stairwell. Lakeview Ambulance transported him to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where he was later pronounced dead, according to KSTP. Firefighters knocked down the flames roughly 10 minutes after removing Weiss from the home and stayed on scene to overhaul the structure and check for remaining hot spots, the station reported.
Investigation Finds Accidental Origin
The State Fire Marshal’s Division found the heaviest fire damage in the front-porch area of the house and determined the blaze was accidental, with an undetermined source, according to Pioneer Press. A Washington County sheriff’s deputy told investigators he heard an audible scream coming from inside the residence during the response, but officials said no one else was inside the house at the time.
What Happened On Scene
Mutual-aid crews joined Stillwater firefighters at the scene and helped as teams used thermal imagers to check walls and ceilings for hidden hot spots, according to KSTP. For residents who want to double-check their own safety measures, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Division posts guidance on smoke alarms, escape planning and other home-fire prevention tips at dps.mn.gov…