Boy killed in Highland Park house fire, sister escapes with burns; kids were home alone

12-year-old boy killed in house fire on Connecticut Street

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A 12-year-old boy died after a house caught fire Monday morning in Highland Park. 

The home is in the 200 block of Connecticut Street. The fire started about 5 a.m. Someone ran across the street to a neighbor's home about 5:10 a.m., according to the Detroit Fire Department. 

The 911 call was made from the neighbor's home. The caller said there were children trapped inside the house fire. The 12-year-old boy, identified as Marvin Traylor, was found on the third floor of the home. 

The boy's 13-year-old sister suffered burns and smoke inhalation. She escaped from the second floor. 

Officials said the siblings were home alone at the time of the fire. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. A space heater may be to blame. The fire appears to have started on the second floor and spread to the third floor. 

Detroit firefighters, Detroit police officers and Highland Park police officers all responded to the fire. 


About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.