A Midland man died from his injuries at the hospital after firefighters pulled him from his burning residence Friday morning.
Kerry Arnett, 51, was declared deceased at Midland Memorial Hospital after his home in the 900 block of West Michigan Avenue caught on fire. Midland Fire Department responded to the call around 10 a.m. after smoke was reported coming from a residential addition that was adjoined to the main home.
Upon arrival, fire crews observed flames and attempted to search the house for anyone inside. Firefighters found Arnett in a bathroom and pulled him out of the burning structure. Arnett was transported with life-threatening injuries to Midland Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries shortly after.
Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be a space heater that ignited nearby combustible material in the living quarters where Arnett was found. The living quarters attached to the main residence received severe fire and smoke damage. Two family members resided in the home and have received assistance through the Red Cross and Midland County Sheriff's Office Crisis Intervention Unit.
Citizens are reminded to keep all heating equipment, including space heaters, at least 3 feet away from other objects at all times to prevent a fire from occuring at their homes. Never leave a space heater unattended.
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz