By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Local fire investigators report that the fatal fire that killed an elderly resident on Erben Thursday afternoon was started by a small torch device.

St. Clair Shores Fire Marshal John Hejza said the victim had been using a propane torch often used to burn away weeds that grow between brick pavers and the like. 

Hejza said the 83-year-old victim, Sidney Lathrop, accidentally ignited storage items inside his garage with the torch.

“The fire got between him and the door an he was unable to get out,” Hejza said. “It appears to be accidental.”

The incident occurred at noon on Aug. 7. It was Lathrop’s birthday and he was cleaning the exterior of his home to prepare for the arrival of some guests, according to police reports.

Hejza said when firefighters arrived at the home located at the corner of Erben and Manhattan, the detached garage was engulfed in flames. He said firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in minutes.

The victim’s home and surrounding homes were not damaged.

Hejza said the victim’s wife was inside the home at the time. She was not hurt.

Battalion Chief Mike Joye said the victim’s body was found in the garage

The Macomb County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy. The victim’s name has not been released.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Snyder at jsnyder@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1039.