FeedsLawsuit claims builder negligence in house fire
Days after fire destroyed three large homes in Northville Township, a lawsuit slid across the desk of Township Manager Chip Snider.
The suit, filed by Citizen’s Insurance Co. on behalf of one of the homeowners, Brian Matelic, alleged negligence on the part of the builder, Superb Homes, contributed to the fire.
“Northville Township is not involved in the lawsuit,” Snider said. “They merely asked that we cease and desist demolition efforts for 10 days. My guess is that the purpose of that is so the plaintiff can gather evidence.”
The three homes, off Six Mile Road west of Beck Road, caught fire at about 3 p.m. on July 17. The fire is believed to have started at the middle home, which was still under construction. Strong winds blew the flames from there to homes on either side of it and threatened a fourth, according to Snider. The fire department and units from surrounding municipalities arrived in time to save that fourth house, but the other three were consumed by the flames.
“(The department) did a good job in saving that other house,” Snider said. “It was a little singed, but it’s OK.”
Richard Klingman, president of Superb Builders, called the incident a tragic and unfortunate one.
“Fortunately, it’s something we’ve never had to deal with before,” he said. The company has existed since 1962. “We’re just looking forward to getting this behind us as soon as possible.”
He said he couldn’t provide much comment on the lawsuit, but believes his company is innocent of any wrongdoing.
“I can’t blame the insurance company for filing the suit—it’s a big claim,” he said. “But there was no negligence on our part that contributed to this.
“There was no mechanical equipment in the house other than rough duct work,” he added. “There was no electrical service to the house. There was no gas service to the house. It’s just a puzzling circumstance.” Contractors were on site that day, working on the roof and cement flooring in the garage.
He said the company would work on cleaning up the site as soon as the injunction expired.
“It’s dangerous,” he said. “It’s an attractive nuisance for kids. We want to get it cleaned up. For the comfort of our clients we want to move forward as quickly as possible.”
Snider said the investigation into the cause of the fire is inconclusive, so far, but it’s being characterized as an accidental fire.
“The exact cause is unknown at this time,” he said.
