Hazel Park Family Homeless After Fire
Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Christmas day fire at a Hazel Park home that left a family homeless and injured two firefighters.
Shawn Hollenbeck and his brother, who were living in the home, met with investigators Monday, but isn't sure where his family will be staying in the days ahead.
"Red Cross, thank God, God bless their soul,gave us two days at the Red Roof Inn and they are going to let our insurance people see what they are going to do now," Hollenbeck said.
"I'm glad the firemen are alright, but all of my kids' toys, all of our clothes everything we had in the house is gone." Hollenbeck said the roof collapsed and the "whole upstairs is gone."
Hazel Park Fire Chief Ray DeWalt says the two firefighters injured fighting the fire on Elza Street, near I-75 and Eight Mile, have been released from the hospital.
"The fire and the water weakened the ceiling and the attic started falling....just numerous heavy items landed on their head and shoulders," DeWalt told WWJ's Florence Walton adding the firefighters suffered bruises.
A preliminary cause indicates some type of electrical problem connected to the Christmas tree lights or outlet.
There were 12 marijuana plants inside the home, but authorities say the family had a license to grow it for medicinal purposes and the growing operation had nothing to do with the fire.
