Man saved from fire on Drexel Avenue

Firefighters found squatter asleep on 2nd floor of a vacant home.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 10:02 PM Wednesday, January 25, 2012

SPRINGFIELD — A man was rescued by firefighters after someone set fire to an abandoned home on Drexel Avenue.

Springfield fire crews were called to 734 Drexel Ave. on the report of heavy smoke around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. While the home appeared vacant, firefighters checked inside for occupants and found 43-year-old Michael Cowan asleep on the second floor, said Deputy Fire Chief Brian Miller.

“Someone was squatting in the house. (Firefighters) went upstairs and there he was, still sleeping with a fire burning downstairs,” Miller said.

Cowan was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. It’s not believed he set the fire, which Miller said was isolated to the living room area near the front door.

“This was definitely a set fire. We just don’t know who set it,” Miller said.

Fire marshals will be following up with witnesses to try to identify a suspect. Miller said there was no heat or electricity at the house.

This is one of several arsons still under investigation. Fire marshals have been following up leads on a red Honda with a black hood that was near 724 W. Jefferson St. around the time a fire was set there Jan. 6. They are also investigating several recent arson fires on Karr Street.

A $5,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information about the blazes. Call (937) 324-7610.

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