CANTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 44-year-old Canton man died in a house fire that officials responded to early Tuesday morning, the Canton Public Safety Department said.
See the latest report from Tony Geftos in the video below
Officials say they responded to the fire around 1 a.m. at a home in the 43000 block of Lancelot. When first responders arrived at the scene, officers made contact with two adults who had made it out of the home.
Hear more from fire officials and a neighbor in the video below
We're told that a third adult went back into the home to find a pet. The homeowner told us he went back in to try to save a cat. He was found dead by fire personnel on the second floor of the residence, officials say.
"Just feel like from my perspective that message, that cautionary tale of once you're out of one of these structures, if you don't go back in, that is always the best case scenario for you," Canton Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Strassner said.
Family has identified the victim as 44-year-old Nathan Denlar. His father shared a photo of Denlar with 7 News Detroit.
According to fire officials, the fire started in the garage and crews searched for the man before having to back out because of the dynamic fire conditions.
There was also a partial collapse just below the garage area, according to the deputy fire chief.
A neighbor spoke to 7 News Detroit Reporter Tony Geftos, and said that he heard what sounded like multiple explosions around 1 a.m. and at first thought it was thunder.
Neighbor Mark Hosch also commended the first responders.
“Those people keep us safe on a daily basis, and to see them put their life on the line firsthand …it was something … you can't say enough about that line of work," said Hosch.
The Canton Police Department's Fire Investigative Team, along with the Fire Marshal, is investigating the incident, including the cause of the fire.
