WARREN (WWJ) - A 72-year-old man is dead after police believe he knocked over a space heater and started a fire in his Warren garage early Friday morning.
The Warren Police Department said they were called out to the home on Arden Street near the Warren Community Center on reports of smoke and a possible fire in a detached garage at 4:45 a.m.
Officers arrived to the scene and found the garage engulfed in flames. Fire personnel immediately went to work battling the fire, and in the process, found a deceased male inside.
Authorities were able to locate the deceased man's wife inside the main residence and confirmed his identity as the 72-year-old homeowner.
At this time, investigators believe the fire was accidental and possibly caused by a space heater which was found knocked over near where the man's body was located.
"Investigators are also working to see if the deceased male may have suffered a medical emergency which caused him to knock over the space heater, ultimately resulting in the garage catching on fire," police said in a press release. "As of this point in the investigation, foul play or arson are not believed to be involved."
The investigation is pending results of an autopsy by the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office, which will provide more details into the cause and manner of death.
Investigators and Warren fire inspectors remain at the scene. Police have not released the man's identity as they notify family and next-of-kin.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.