2/14
Time: 12:42 a.m.
Address: 8872 Howell
Building type: House
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: An extra company was sent for manpower for a vacant house fire.
Companies: L17, C5, S4, E32, E42, E39
Fire out: 1:40 a.m.
Companies clear scene: 2:32 a.m.
Time: 2:32 a.m.
Address: 11339 Manor
Building type: 2 houses
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Two houses were on fire when firefighters arrived. An extra company was sent for manpower.
Companies: S5, E55, E40, L27, C2, E53
Time: 2:40 a.m.
Address: 19798 Rowe
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Short circuit
Details: EMS was requested for civilians possibly in the house. The civilians were out of the house and said no one was inside.
Companies: C9, S6, E50, E60, L23
Fire out: 3:33 a.m.
Time: 1:10 p.m.
Address: 8200 Whitcomb
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Install deficiency
Details: E55, L27 handled the small fire alone. The other companies were called off.
Companies: E55, L27
Time: 1:14 p.m.
Address: 16021 Carlisle
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Chief 9 requested an additional company. The first hydrant didn’t work. The chief told firefighters to inspect the house carefully because “there is supposed to be women and children. They don’t know if they are home or not, but give it a good look.” At 1:47 p.m., the chief reported there was no one inside the house. The medic was released at 2:06 p.m.
Companies: S6, E58, E52, L23, C9, E60
Time: 4:35 p.m.
Address: 1045 W. Lantz
Building type: House
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: The first hydrant didn’t work, causing a big delay in extinguishing the fire. Engine 56 took 14 minutes because of the distance, and it was an important pumper to fight the fire while firefighters looked for a hydrant. Firefighters were able to get water at 4:57 p.m., 22 minutes after the fire was reported. A search of the house was impossible because the house collapsed. At 5:39 p.m., firefighters requested Engine 44 return to the scene. Both Engine 44 and 56’s red lines were out, so extra companies were called at 6:24 p.m. The house collapsed. L18, E44, E56 all out of service with frozen line.
Companies: E56, E44, L18, C8, S5
Companies clear scene: 7:22 p.m.
Time: 10:06 p.m.
Address: 777 Algonquin
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Started as a still alarm for a car fire, so only Engine 41 was called at first. About three minutes later, dispatch called for a box alarm, which is two engines, a ladder truck, a squad and a chief. It was reported as a possible occupied house on fire with people inside. EMS also was requested. When Engine 41 arrived, a house and car were on fire. Engine 41 got the fire under control and called off everyone but the ladder truck.
Companies: E41, L31
2/15
Time: 10:10 a.m.
Address: 3881 W. Warren
Building type: Apartment
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Report of a fire in Apt. 2. EMS requested at 10:14 a.m. Firefighters said the second floor of a two-story apartment was on fire. One person was injured and transported to the hospital. The apartment is above a storefront. At 10:27 p.m., the chief called for another extra company. The owner showed up, and the occupants said everyone was out of the building.
Companies: L22, S4, C7, E34, E42, E27, E17, E39
Time: 12:32 p.m.
Address: 12400 W. Grand River & 12406 W. Grand River
Building type: 2 commercial
Occupancy: The severely damaged one was vacant; the other was occupied.
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Three engines, instead of two, were sent because of reports of a commercial building fire. The building was on fire when firefighters arrived. Firefighters were going to call HAZMAT but backed off. At 2:04 p.m., the chief said they were going defensive, which means they won’t put firefighters’ lives in danger to fight the fire but they will expect neighboring properties. The chief requested relief at 2:05 p.m. Engine 40 was taken out of service with frozen lines. A complete search of the building was impossible because the structure collapsed.
Companies: E40, C2, E53, E30, S5, L17
Relief companies: E42, E39
Time: 12:43 p.m.
Address: 8256 Rosemont
Building type: House
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Arson
Details: Firefighters arrived to a house fire. The first two hydrants didn’t work. The closest hydrant is about 250 away. Firefighter believed the house was vacant but began a search just in case there were squatters. At 1:01 p.m., the fire started coming through the roof. Two engines had frozen lines and would be out of service until they thaw.
Companies: E55, E57, L27, C4, S1
Fire out: 2:28 p.m.
Time: 8:02 p.m.
Address: 20063 Freeland
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: EMS was requested at the onset for standby. Firefighters were originally sent to 20064 Mark Twain. The upper level was on fire. The rear collapsed at 8:26 p.m. Unable to contain the blaze in zero degree temperatures, the chief requested an additional company (Engine 53) for help. Firefighters mounted an aggressive interior attack. The chief requested a salt truck because the water was freezing on the streets.
Companies: C4, E59, E30, L18, S5, E53
Fire out: 9:41 p.m.
Time: 10:08 p.m.
Address: 8641 E. Outer Dr.
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: EMS was requested for a possible occupied dwelling. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze.
Companies: E46, C9, E50, S6, L23
Fire out: 10:46 p.m.
Companies clear scene: 11:01 p.m.
2/16
Time: 2:56 a.m.
Address: 8066 Pressler
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: EMS was requested for standby for an occupied house. At 3:08 a.m., the chief requested police because there were “casings all over the house” following a shooting. Police arrived within 5 minutes.
Companies: C9, L23, E46, E41, S3
Time: 5:29 a.m.
Address: 8066 Pressler
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Reported as a rekindle and sent as a still alarm, which means an engine and ladder truck were sent. When the companies arrived on the scene, they requested a box alarm, which is two engines, a ladder truck, squad and chief.
Companies: E41, E64, L23, S3, C9
Companies clear scene: 6:43 p.m.
Time: 6:04 a.m.
Address: 14151 Cedargrove
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Misuse of heat
Details: Firefighters said the house “appears” to be occupied. Firefighters were told at the scene that two people were supposed to be in the house. An illegal electrical hookup was found. No one was found.
Companies: E58, L31, E60, S6, C6
Time: 9:48 a.m.
Address: 5900 Michigan
Building type: Apartment
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Combustible too close
Details: EMS was requested for standby. Firefighters spotted smoke coming from the second floor of an apartment building. Two extra companies, including a ladder truck, were requested. A second ambulance was requested. Three civilians were injured. Arson was on the way at 10 a.m. The chief said, “I need that EMS ASAP,” at 10:01 a.m. Dispatch gave a 10-minute ETA. Firefighters searched the building for occupants. The chief reported the fire was under control at 10:12 p.m. Two firefighters were later taken to Detroit Receiving for injuries, one from E27, one from L8.
Companies: E27, C7, E34, L22, S4, E17, L8
Fire out: 10:29 a.m.
Companies clear scene: 11:02 a.m.
Time: 10:48 a.m.
Address: 17692 Salem
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Misuse of heart
Details: Basement fire handled by the first arriving engine and ladder truck.
Companies: E57, L27
Time: 1:48 p.m.
Address: 19374 Chapel
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: EMS requested for standby.
Companies: E59, L26
Fire out: The first engine and ladder truck handled the small fire.
Companies clear scene: 2:09 p.m.
Time: 5:51 p.m.
Address: 19968 Hamburg
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Moderate damage
Companies: E50, E60, L23, C9, S6
Time: 6:40 p.m.
Address: 1445 W. Chicago
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause:
Details: Firefighters didn’t spot the fire immediately but saw heavy smoke in the area. Ladder 7 spotted the fire in a basement at 6:47 p.m. The chief called for an extra company and EMS. At 6:58 a.m., the chief called for an extra squad and engine. The first hydrant was out of service. Firefighters had trouble with the second hydrant, and the fire began coming through the first floor at 6:59 p.m. At 7:16 p.m., firefighters were hosing down the kitchen area. By 7:23 p.m., firefighters had been on every floor. At 7:30 p.m., the chief called for Ladder 7. At 8:24 p.m., Engine 39’s pump malfunctioned. Ladder 7 also malfunctioned. One hydrant was out of service; another malfunctioned.
Companies: E35, E39, L7, S4, C5, E17, E40, L17
Relief companies: E35, E40, L17
Time: 7:28 p.m.
Address: 5206 Spokane
Building type: 2-family house
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: The fire was on the first and second floor when firefighters arrived. Firefighters knocked down the fire at about 7:38 p.m. A civilian alerted firefighters to another fire a block over on Maplewood.
Companies: S2, L22, C7, E34, E42, E27
Fire out: 8:06 p.m.
Companies clear scene: 8:22 p.m.
Time: 7:51 p.m.
Address: 5259 Maplewood
Building type: House
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: The chief was at another fire when a citizen alerted him to this fire. A debris fire in the front yard spread to the house. Two more engines were called to help.
Companies: C7, E55, E27
Time: 8:26 p.m.
Address: 13095 Corbett
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Firefighters arrived to find a fire outside of a house that spread to the structure. The fire was under control at 8:44 pm. EMS was requested for an injured civilian.
Companies: E58, L23, E50, C9, S6, E30,
Time: 11:28 p.m.
Address: 11546 Chalmers
Building type: Apartment
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Kitchen fire that spread.
Details: Fire reported in apartment 10. Firefighters found a bedroom fire.
Companies: L23, C9, E50, E46, E58
Companies clear scene: 11:48 p.m.
2/17
Time: 12:57 a.m.
Address: 6137 Regular
Building type: Apartment
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Firefighters arrived to an apartment fire and called for EMS and an extra company. All the occupants were safely out. The chief called off all of the companies but the first two engines and ladder truck, saying the fire was small. No arson investigators were available, even though there were witnesses to the arson. Police were not called.
Fire out: 1:11 a.m.
Companies clear scene: 1:37 a.m.
Time: 1:46 a.m.
Address: 5021 Yemans at Ellery, Hamtramck (included because Detroit firefighters responded)
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause:
Details: Four people died. Hamtramck firefighters spotted the fire on the horizon. Fire was rolling on the first and second floor. Firefighters pulled an animal out of the house, but it died. At 1:57 a.m., Engine 56 requested an additional company for manpower. The house was cluttered, feeding the fire. The chief arrived at 2:05 p.m., 19 minutes after the call.
Companies: C8, HME1, HML1, S3, E56, E35
Time: 5:30 a.m.
Address: 8411 Stout
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: EMS was requested for standby for an occupied house fire. All occupants were safely out of the house when firefighters arrived. Firefighters reported a basement fire.
Companies: L27, S1, E55, E57, C2
Companies clear scene: 6:11 a.m.
Time: 2:32 p.m.
Address: 18481 Justine
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: EMS was requested at the onset for a possible occupied house. The second company on the scene, Engine 44, took 8+ minutes because of the distance. At 2:43, firefighters were searching the house and were still unsure if it was vacant.
Companies: S3, E56, E44, L18, C8, E60
Fire out: 2:52 p.m.
Companies clear scene: 3:11 p.m.
Time: 2:55 p.m.
Address: 19968 Helen
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Electrical
Details: Chief 8 was finishing up from the last fire when he was called to this one. Engine 60 and Squad 3 also responded from the other fire because the companies were finished. The fire was in the basement.
Companies: C8, E46, L23, S3, E60
Time: 8:58 p.m.
Address: 19164 Concord
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Electrical
Details: An extra company was called for extra manpower.
Companies: C9, E56, E60, S3, L23, E50
Fire out: 9:45 p.m.
Time: 10:37 p.m.
Address: 10201 Lyndon
Building type: Commercial
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Fire in a building approximately 200′ by 200.’ An extra company sent for manpower at 10:50 p.m. Chief 4, who arrived about 14 minutes after the call, requested police, saying the building looked like an illegal chop shop. At 1:11 a.m., police arrived and said the building was on fire again.
Companies: C4, S5, E40, L17, E30, E53
Fire out: 12:12 a.m.
Time: 11:22 p.m.
Address: 14182 Forrer
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Unknown
Companies: S1, C2, E57, L27, E55
Fire out: The chief reported a fire in the two-story house. Firefighters requested Red Cross to help the displaced residents.
Companies clear scene: 12:14: a.m.
2/18
Time: 4:19 a.m.
Address: 18038 Norwood
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Dispatch reported a fire in the rear of an occupied house. The chief requested two extra companies. Squad 5 arrived 13+ minutes after being called.
Companies: L18, C8, E44, E56, S5, E40, E35
Companies clear scene: 5:22 a.m.
Rehab time: 45 minutes
Time: 5:02 a.m.
Address: 20167 Hanna
Building type: House
Occupancy: Unknown
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: The house was engulfed when firefighters arrived. Two extra companies were sent for help. Engine 60 and Squad 3 arrived 11+ minutes after being called because of the distance and closed stations.
Companies: E39, C8, L17, E60, S3, E42
Time: 8:36 a.m.
Address: 18414 Shields
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Occupant fell asleep
Details: Firefighters requested EMS upon arrival because the house was occupied. The occupants were safely out of the house, according to the owner. This house is about seven blocks from another occupied house fire four hours earlier. EMS was relieved at 8:57 a.m., about two minutes after the fire was out.
Companies: E56, E44, L18, C8, S3
Fire out: 8:55 a.m.
Time: 9:20 a.m.
Address: 16311 Joy Rd.
Building type: Apartment
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Engine 55 was called to check on a fire alarm. About seven minutes later, firefighters spotted smoke and called for a box alarm, which is two engines, a ladder truck, squad and chief.
Companies: E55, E53, L27, C2, S1, E42
Fire out: 10:07 p.m.
Companies clear scene: 10:46 p.m.
Time: 10:41 a.m.
Address: 11375 Balfour
Building type: House
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Originally reported as a vacant house, the chief said the house was occupied and requested EMS at 10:51 a.m. The chief requested to talk to an arson investigator.
Companies: E58, E50, S6, C9, L E52
Fire out: 11:19 a.m.
Rehab time: 30 minutes
2/19
Time: 7:31 a.m.
Address: 18996 Wormer
Building type: House
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: EMS was requested for standby for a possible occupied house. Five companies were called to the scene, but the small basement fire was left with Engine 54 to handle alone.
Companies: E54
Time: 2:39 p.m.
Address: 13861 Moran St.
Building type: 2 houses
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: When firefighters arrived, two houses were on fire. Two extra companies were called for help. Firefighters made an interior attack on the house, while the ladder truck attacked the other house from the air. Low water pressure was often a problem. The first house was extinguished at 3:25 p.m. The second house was extinguished at 3:39 p.m.
Companies: C8, E56, L18, S3, E44, E35, HME1, HPE2
Companies clear scene: 5:19 p.m.
Rehab time: 90 minutes
Time: 3:51 pm
Address: 13021 Plymouth
Building type: Apartment
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Firefighters requested an extra engine and ladder truck for a fire inside a 12-unit apartment. A warming bus also was requested for the residents. A second ladder truck was requested at 3:58 p.m. The fire was primarily contained to two units, and most residents were able to return.
Companies: E34, E42, C5, E40, L17, S4, L27
Fire out: 4:24 p.m.
Time: 7:06 p.m.
Address: 4172 Van Dyke
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Combustible too close
Details: Single-family house was reported on fire.
Companies: C6, E9, E41, L6, S3, E46
Time: 7:42 p.m.
Address: 5036 Belvidere
Building type: Occupied
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Misuse of heat
Details: Engine 46 was sent alone to check on a possible fire. About 90 seconds later, dispatchers called for the box alarm, which includes two engines, a ladder truck, squad and chief. Firefighters warned that one person may still be inside the house. At 7:48 p.m., firefighters began conducting a search. An engine company was sent for help and was then called off. The fire was predominately in the basement.
Companies: C1, L31, E46, E52, S6,
Companies clear scene: 8:23 p.m.
Rehab time: 30 minutes
Time: 9:16 p.m.
Address: 7720 Forrer
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Unknown
Details: Firefighters searched the house by 9:39 p.m. but found no one.
Companies: L27, S1, E53, E55, C2
Companies clear scene: 10:32 p.m.
Rehab time: 40 minutes
2/20
Time: 12:33 a.m.
Address: 9943 Lauder
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Misuse of heat
Details: Firefighters extinguished the fire quickly, preventing significant damage.
Companies: E42, C2, L27, S4, E55
Fire out: 12:58 a.m.
Companies clear scene: 1:04 a.m.
Time: 12:44 a.m.
Address: Near 13845 Moran
Building type: House
Occupancy:
Preliminary cause: Rekindle
Details: A witness said she knows who started the fire. An arson investigator was requested. The structure collapsed.
Companies: L18, E56
Companies clear scene: 1:45 a.m.
Time: 8:01 a.m.
Address: 19935 Hoover
Building type: Commercial
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: Light smoke was spotted in the building, so the chief left the fire to Engine 60. But the rig was having pump troubles so Engine 50 had to be called. Engine 60 had to go to the repair shop.
Companies: E50, E60
Time: 4:07 p.m.
Address: 13631 Plymouth
Building type: Commercial
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Too close to combustible
Details: Two extra fire engines were sent for help. Police were called for traffic. Firefighters punched holes into the roof to let heat escape at 4:32 p.m. The chief warned that the roof was dangerously sagging at 4:35 p.m. The chief released EMS at 4:52 p.m. and said the fire was out. Ladder 27 malfunctioned at the scene and headed to the repair shop.
Companies: E42, E53, S4, C2, L27, E55, E57
Fire out: 4:52 p.m.
Companies clear scene: 5:28 p.m.
Time: 4:11 p.m.
Address: 1420 Webb
Building type: Apartment
Occupancy: Vacant
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: By 4:26 p.m., a side of the building collapsed and the roof was collapsing. All firefighters were called out. Firefighters took a defensive posture at 4:30 p.m. The chief said progress was being made at 5:01 p.m. The fire was under control at 5:22 p.m., the chief reported, but “we’re going to be here for awhile.” Relief companies called to give firefighters a break. Relief companies were sent at 5:26 p.m. The chief said a search was done “to the best of their ability.” Engine 39 went out of service with frozen lines at 7:02 p.m.
Companies: E39, E35, L7, C5, S2, E40, HPE2
Relief companies: S3, E34, E27, HPL1
Fire out: 6:52 p.m.
Companies clear scene: First companies were replaced at 5:29 p.m.
Rehab time: 1 hour
Time: 5:27 p.m.
Address: 18715 Fairport
Building type: House
Occupancy: Occupied
Preliminary cause: Machine failure
Details: Chief 9 reported seeing light smoking coming from the house. There was no mention of the occupancy.
Companies: S6, E50, E58, L23, C9
Companies clear scene: 5:59 p.m.
Time: 8:11 p.m.
Address: 15827 Rossini
Building type: House
Occupancy: Unknown
Preliminary cause: Suspicious
Details: EMS was requested for a possible occupied house. Small bedroom fire in the rear of the house.
Companies: E50, L23, E59, C9, S6
February: Fires broke out in 163 structures, killing at least 5 people as rigs break down added by Steve Neavling on
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