A 62-year-old person died in a house fire early Monday morning on the 1500 block of North High Street in Lansing, with officials attributing the blaze to careless smoking.
The City of Lansing Fire Department responded to the structure fire around 4 a.m., finding heavy fire conditions with smoke on the first floor. Inside the home were two relatives - a 31-year-old woman who was taken to the hospital and the 62-year-old who was found dead.
"I feel bad… I said a prayer for her after it happened," said a neighbor.
Fire crews remained on scene for hours investigating the incident. Lansing Fire Marshal Jared Nisch confirmed the cause was careless smoking, an issue he says is becoming increasingly common.
The state fire marshal reports troubling statistics about fatal fires statewide. In 2024, there were 96 deaths from fires, with smoking being the number one reported cause for half of those fatalities.
The tragedy has prompted Nisch to share important safety tips with residents. He recommends smoking outside whenever possible, but for those who choose to smoke indoors, specific precautions are essential.
"If you do smoke inside, number one don't smoke in bed and use an ashtray and make sure you completely put the smoke material out," Nisch said.
The incident has deeply affected the neighborhood, with residents expressing sympathy for those impacted.
"Hopefully she's in heaven with God.. I didn't know them, but still…" said another neighbor.
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