83-year-old man hurt, pets killed in house fire on Detroit's west side

Man taken to hospital by medical officials

DETROIT – Residents said an 83-year-old man was hurt and multiple cats were killed Wednesday in a house fire on Detroit's west side.

The home is located on Chatham Street near Lahser Road and Fenkell Avenue.

A house that caught fire Oct. 9, 2019, and left an 87-year-old man injured and his pets dead. (WDIV)

Residents said the 83-year-old man is well-known in the neighborhood. Emergency medical officials transported the man to a nearby hospital while performing CPR. He is in critical condition.

"The whole neighborhood knows Don," neighbor Don Taylor said. "Don goes for a walk. He walks the neighborhood. He used to have little dogs. Now he has little cats -- I mean lots of cats."

Neighbors said he would walk his cats around 7 a.m. each morning.

Officials said multiple cats in the home were killed in the fire.

At least eight fire trucks responded to the location. The fire was mostly in the basement of the home, authorities said.

It's unclear what exactly caused the fire.


About the Authors:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.