Springfield man, several animals die in house fire

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

An investigation is underway into a house fire that resulted in the death of a 52-year-old Springfield man. Michael A. Kessler was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire which was reported around 9 Tuesday night on the 1600 block of North Golden Ave. Another woman sustained minor injuries.

The investigation remains open at this time, but preliminary findings indicate the cause of the fire was accidental. Fire marshals believe both occupants were awake when the fire broke out in the bedroom. The female occupant was able to escape. She was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Kessler stayed behind in an effort to save several animals and did not make it out of the home. His escape may have been impeded by the fact that there was only one usable exit from the home.

There were no working smoke alarms and no residential fire sprinkler system in the home. Several animals also died in the fire.