Crime & Safety
Dearborn Heights Hoarder Dies In Fire
A Dearborn Heights woman recently died in a home fire. Attempts to rescue her were hindered by her hoarding, fire officials said.
DEARBORN, MI — A 79-year-old Dearborn Heights woman recently died after a house fire in the 25000 block of Yale Street. Carolyn Hansel died June 4 despite the fire department’s arrival on the scene in about three minutes. Dearborn Heights Fire Chief David Brogan said the home was filled with items in what he called a hoarding situation.
“There was heavy smoke coming from the house and the woman was trapped inside,” Brogan said, adding that a neighbor tried to rescue her by breaking out a window with a rake. “All the heat and smoke pushed him back.”
Debris was piled high around the doors, and firefighters used an ax to get the door off its hinges. They found the woman lying about four feet from the back door. It is believed she died due to smoke inhalation. The fire’s exact cause hasn’t been pinpointed, but it is believed to have started in the kitchen or utility room.
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For more, go to the Dearborn Press & Guide.
Photo courtesy of the Dearborn Heights Fire Department
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