GROVELAND TWP. (WWJ) -- An elderly man was killed in a barn fire late Monday night in northern Oakland County.
Michigan State Police said the fire broke out at around 11:50 p.m. on Keir Road in Groveland Township, northwest of Clarkston, in a barn that had an apartment inside.
The homeowners told police that their 76-year old uncle, who was battling cancer, lived in the apartment.
His body was found during a search by MSP troopers and firefighters from Springfield and Groveland Townships, who put out the flames.
Springfield Township assistant fire chief Matt Strickland told WWJ's Tim Pamplin that, when firefighters got to the scene, the blaze was already raging.
Inside the barn, investigators found the remnants of multiple space heaters, multiple propane tanks, and multiple parked vehicles.
The barn had no smoke detectors.
"The fire load inside that barn was pretty significant," Strickland said. "It took a lot of time and a lot of water to knock that down and get it put out."
An autopsy later confirmed the man's identity, and determined that he died of smoke inhalation and burns.
Officials said he was found facedown, near the barn doors.
Strickland warns against living in barns, garages or any building that isn't approved by local code for occupancy.
"We understand that times are tough and things have to take place, but ultimately that's not a very safe atmosphere for anybody to take residence in," Strickland said. "We're very saddened that this happened. Our prayers are with that family."
The man's name was not released.