A local man trying to protect himself from the cold died in a fire Monday morning.

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See Potential Cause Of Fire, Neighbor's Account

Detroit Fire Department investigators say that Earl Wright's clothing caught fire from a hot plate next to the couch where he was sleeping.

Wright was using the hot plate to keep warm in his home, which was reported below freezing.

Sean Mitchell, who lived above Wright, told Local 4 that he found the 63-year-old man's body laying on the basement floor, where water was running from a pipe that burst from the cold.

Fire investigators say a trail of ashes from Wright's clothing led from the bathroom to the basement. They believe he tried to douse the flames with water from a toilet, but it was frozen.

Wright had reportedly lived without heat in his home for the last three winters, and used alternate methods to stay warm.

A Detroit Edison spokesperson said the company shut off Wright's heat and electricity three years ago because of unpaid bills.

His ex-wife, Cheryl Brown, told Local 4 she tried and failed to get help for him last year from Family Independence Agency.

"As cold as it is ... people should be able to get some help if they need it," Brown said.

The FIA was closed Monday and could not be reached for comment.

DTE officials said that Wright had an illegal electric hookup in his home that could have caused the hot plate to overheat.

A DTE spokesperson urged people who are having problems paying their bills to contact them to work out a payment system.