(This story has been updated with new information.)
COLDWATER, MI. — One person was found dead following a fire Saturday, July 18, according to the Coldwater Fire Department.
Fire Chief David Schmaltz did not release the identity of the 22-year-old male.
Firefighters arriving on scene found heavy smoke and flames coming from a finished space inside the south end of the garage.
Engine 1 and Ladder 2 quickly began suppression efforts, bringing the fire under control in about 20 minutes.
Schmaltz said firefighters did their best to get to the man, but the flames and smoke were too intense until the fire was suppressed. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Coldwater Fire Marshall Steve Trall called in investigators from the Michigan State Police to aid in the investigation.
Schmaltz said he would wait for reports to determine the cause.
As is policy, the body was transferred to Western Michigan University Medical School for an autopsy.
Officials estimated the fire caused approximately $50,000 in damage to the garage and $25,000 in damage to personal belongings. No firefighter injuries were reported. The building was filled with items, but that did not hamper firefighters, the chief said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire crews remained on scene until 11:05 p.m. as investigators and support agencies worked to process the incident.
Additional Coldwater, Quincy, and Bronson units responded to support operations, while the Coldwater Police Department, Michigan State Police, Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, and the Branch County Victims Assistance Team also assisted at the scene.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Update: Man found dead following Coldwater fire
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
