Man dies in morning fire.

Man dies in morning fire.

#MasonCountyNews

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP — Sam Morse, 46, died Sunday morning as a result of a house fire. Firefighters were called to the fire at 2023 N. Benson Road at 8:33 a.m. Branch Township Fire Chief Steve McVicker said firefighters were able to knock the fire down quickly. Fountain Area Fire Chief Roger Berndt said the fire appeared to have started near a couch in the living room. According to dispatch information, a passerby noticed smoke coming from the eaves, heard smoke detectors, and attempted to gain entry, but the door was locked. 

Morse, who was alone in the house, was declared dead on the scene. Members of his immediate family were on the scene.

The cinder brick house, just north of Decker Road, appeared to be under remodeling.

A Michigan State Police fire investigator was called to the scene as was the Mason County Sheriff’s Office detective bureau. Also responding were Fountain Area Fire Department, Branch Township Fire Department, Custer Fire Department, Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Life EMS, Fountain Area Fire Department Auxiliary, Mason County Medical Examiner, and Mason County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Unit.

The fire remains under investigation.