Latest news with #DetroitFireDepartment
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Yahoo
Detroit police seeking community assistance after 3 bodies found in westside vehicle fire
Early Sunday morning, three bodies — burnt beyond recognition — were found inside of a smoldering vehicle on Detroit's west side. Jacqueline Pritchett, a deputy at the Detroit Police Department, said in a video press release that the Detroit Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire near 30th Street and Milford Avenue around 5:50 am. Pritchett said the DPD Homicide Task Force is investigating the deaths further. More: Detroit Land Bank sues owner of 'castle' complex over 'blighted' property Hands Off movement: Thousands protest Trump, Musk across Michigan The police department is seeking assistance from the public as they investigate the fire. Around 8 a.m. Sunday morning, Pritchett was unsure about the circumstances leading up to the fire, and could not specify the make and model of the vehicle. DPD asks that anyone with information contact them at their tipline, 1-800-SPEAKUP, or submit information via their website, Contact Liam Rappleye: LRappleye@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 3 bodies found in vehicle fire in west Detroit
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit police, fire will be out making sure Detroit Tigers' Opening Day is a safe one
Detroit police, fire will be out making sure Detroit Tigers' Opening Day is a safe one Detroit Tigers fans, it's Opening Day! Whether you're planning to come to downtown Detroit for the baseball game or just to hang out with fellow fans in public and private spaces, Detroit police and fire representatives say they are prepared to keep the area — and your experience — a safe one. Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of people, including some from other states, are expected to be in and around Comerica Park, with folks starting to file in as early as 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Friday for the annual tradition, authorities say. Detroit Assistant Police Chief Franklin Hayes speaks April 4, 2025, about safety for Detroit Tigers' Opening Day in Grand Circus Park. He is flanked by Fire Prevention Chief Dennis Hunter of the Detroit Fire Department's Fire Marshal Division, left, and Detroit Police Capt. Nate Duda. Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, said last year there was a 4% increase in attendance for Opening Day over 2023, and he believes that number will be exceeded this year. While it's hard to put a direct economic impact number on Opening Day, he said, events such as the Detroit Grand Prix, a three-day event, has about $75 million of economic impact and $135 million of regional economic impact. Plus, there is repeat business to bars and restaurants, adding "it's hundreds of millions of dollars that these events represent to our local community, to our small businesses and to those who are investing in the city." Advertisement Detroit Assistant Police Chief Franklin Hayes said Thursday that authorities have a comprehensive safety plan that will be "highly visual" and have officers present throughout the city, including in neighborhoods, as well as with "members that you cannot see, just to ensure the safety of all." "We will have more than enough first responders out here in these public spaces to ensure that everyone has a great day, a great Opening Day," he said during a news conference in Grand Circus Park, the site of Detroit's official Opening Day party, just steps away from the ballpark. Fire Prevention Chief Dennis Hunter, of Detroit Fire Department's Fire Marshal Division, said teams of two will be out conducting fire safety sweeps at bars, restaurants and outdoor venues looking for proper permitting, extinguishers, propane being secured and cooking equipment, which should be inspected. He said to make sure tents at outdoor venues are up properly and exits are marked properly. He told restaurants and other outdoor locations to "comply with your capacity levels. The capacity cards are there for a reason. If it's 200, we ask business owners to stay within that 200. Our goal is to work with the business owners and make sure that everyone has a great time for (the) Detroit Tigers' home opening." Advertisement If a location is over capacity, authorities said, the owners will be asked to escort out some patrons and not invite others in, getting the number down to what it's supposed to be. If someone sees overcrowding at a location, Hunter said they can call 313-596-2954. He reminded visitors there are no barbecue grills allowed on public ways or public property and any cooking is to be done outside of tents, not under them. If you are caught grilling, he said, "we'll politely remind you that you can't do it." Other enforcement action could be a misdemeanor citation with a fine of $500, he said. Hayes said authorities don't want visitors to be a victims of predatory behavior and will be looking out for folks being charged by a person — versus parking meters — to park on streets; scalping; counterfeit merchandise, and providing alcohol illegally or to minors. Hayes reminded visitors intending to carry weapons to be mindful of concealed carry regulations and that there are weapons-free zones. He said he doesn't see a need for people to carry a firearm. Larson said metal detectors will be at the event at Grand Circus Park, and public parks are weapons-free areas. Advertisement Authorities also encouraged visitors to drink responsibly and to take public transportation or ride shares if they choose to consume alcohol. Contact Christina Hall: chall@ Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit police, fire will make sure Tigers' Opening Day is safe
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6 Children and Pregnant Woman Among 13 Hospitalized After Apartment Explosion
Six children were among the 13 people injured during an early morning explosion at a Detroit apartment building, authorities said. The Detroit Fire Department responded to a 911 call at a 12-unit apartment building around 4 a.m. local time on Monday, March 31, Corey McIsaac, the department's director of media relations, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Thankfully due to our teams getting there so fast, everyone was rescued from the building," he added. As of 1:30 p.m., a 27-year-old woman, a 28-year-old man and a 3-year-old girl remained in critical condition, McIsaac said. They are all being treated for burns. A 26-year-old pregnant woman is still being monitored. The other transported individuals received treatment and have been released. After the initial explosion, resident Steffen Moore told Fox affiliate WJBK that he thought someone had crashed into the building. Related: Pilot in 'Serious' Condition After Plane Hits the Ground and Shatters in Front of Shocked Crowd at Airshow: 'It Was Awful' "I thought it was just somebody had crashed into the building literally, but then you look at it and there's no fire, there's none of that," Moore told the outlet. "It sounded like a bomb. Because I didn't smell any smoke, I don't see any fire. You don't smell any chemicals.' After the explosion occurred, crew members from the fire department helped trapped residents vacate the second floor, authorities said. In a news conference, Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms told reporters that without the quick action by firefighters, the injuries would have been worse, according to the Detroit Free Press. Simms noted that some residents were attempting to jump out of windows, but were saved by crew members. Related: 82-Year-Old Fisherman Was Trapped in Mud for Hours Until Help Arrived One man, who had six relatives in the building, shared what it was like for his loved ones to be trapped on the second floor. 'My son and my two grandkids were on this side right here. They had to get them out through the window. They were stuck in there," the grandfather told ABC affiliate WXYZ. He added, 'They had to get them out through the window. They live on the top. So they were stuck in there, they couldn't get down, so they had to go and get them through the back way." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. After the building was vacated, the fire department used drones to conduct thermal imaging to confirm that no one else was inside, officials said. The building was set to be demolished that same day because it was so unstable, authorities said. The city's construction and demolition department was on the scene that morning to take down the building in partnership with investigators to determine the cause of the explosion. An investigation is ongoing. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This Detroit woman lost her home in a fire largely due to a code violation. Here's what went wrong
A recent fire has left a Detroit woman homeless — and wondering if some of the damage could have been prevented if the apartment building was up to code. Regiina Owens, a retired nurse living with multiple sclerosis, noticed flames in her apartment January 23 as someone was helping her cook dinner. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Home prices in America could fly through the roof in 2025 — here's the big reason why and how to take full advantage (with as little as $10) Americans with upside-down car loans owe more money than ever before — and drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to cut your monthly costs ASAP "I didn't know exactly what was happening, all I knew was that I saw some flames in the kitchen," Owens told CBS News. Despite not knowing how serious the flames might be, she quickly evacuated and called 911. According to the Detroit Fire Department, it took firefighters just three minutes and 57 seconds to get to the complex, but Owens says they got to the fire much later. 'I could hear their sirens, but it seemed like it was taking forever for them to get there," Owens told CBS News. Here's what happened and how to avoid a mishap in an emergency situation where time is of the essence. Owens could hear sirens for several minutes because of a locked gate at the back of the apartment complex, Marketplace Court Apartments. The gate restricted firefighters' access to the unit, forcing them to drive a block away to access a hydrant, reported CBS News. "How insecure is that?" Owens asked during an interview with CBS reporters. "When an emergency occurs, they can't get in quick." Even a few minutes of delay can allow a fire to spread, worsen the damage and even risk lives. According to a fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes — quicker than it took firefighters to reach Owen's apartment. CBS reported that the locked gate was a fire code violation. The Detroit Fire Department cited Marketplace Court Apartments for the misstep, though reporters were unable to reach the building's management for comment. For now, Owens is trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild her life — including re-purchasing expensive medical equipment. "I was a nurse for 20 years and had to retire when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis," Owens said. "I was comfortable in that apartment because it was accessible." She is living with her son and grandson in the interim, but it's not ideal. She lost many of her mobility aids in the fire, and her son's place is difficult for her to navigate. "My home isn't accessible like hers was," said her son, Kristopher Owens. "It's a struggle to get around corners, the bathroom isn't large enough and we don't have any sort of ramp to help her get in and out of the home." Owens does have renters insurance, but they're not sure when the money will be available or how long it will take to find another accessible apartment. Her son has set up a GoFundMe for financial aid in the meantime. Read more: An alarming 97% of older Americans are carrying debt into retirement — here's why and 4 simple things you can do if you're stuck in the same situation When a property has code violations, it's not just a matter of inconvenience — it can also create complications when it comes to insurance payout and rates. If a landlord refuses to comply with fire safety regulations, it could be considered negligence, which might impact claim approval. In some cases, an insurance provider may deny claims or reduce payouts if they determine the code violation contributed to the damage, according to Omar Ochoa Law Firm. If your building has multiple code violations, insurers may increase your rates or refuse coverage altogether due to the increased risk. For example, if a fire spreads due to a blocked or inaccessible hydrant — as was the case in Owens' apartment complex — an insurer might argue that the fire could have been contained earlier if proper fire safety measures were in place. Fortunately, a renters insurance policy should still protect the belongings of the tenant. But a negligent landlord can still create delays and financial uncertainty for displaced tenants who are relying on their insurance payout to recover. While renters can't control whether their landlord follows safety regulations, there are steps you can take to protect yourself: Report anything you suspect is a code violation to the property manager or fire department if needed, including blocked doors, broken smoke alarms or locked gates. Ensure your policy covers potential risks, such as fire damage, temporary housing and the replacement of expensive medical equipment. Consider increasing your coverage limit or adding riders for mobility equipment, required medical equipment or other items you need for daily life. Know your rights. If your insurance company denies your claim due to landlord negligence, consider getting legal assistance or hiring an independent insurance adjuster. For Owens and her family, the impact of this fire goes beyond just losing a home — it highlights how crucial it is for rental properties to meet safety standards. Without proper enforcement, renters are at risk of both physical danger and financial hardship. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
313 Day: Gardner White celebrates with recliner donations to Detroit firefighters
This year's 313 Day came with a little extra comfort for first responders as Gardner White delivered recliners to fire battalions across the city on Thursday. March 13, based on Detroit's area code, is known in Michigan as "313 Day," a celebration of all things Motor City-related. And this year, Gardner White marked the occasion by delivering 16 triple power Celeste Recliners by Southern Motion to all eight Detroit Fire Department battalions, according to a news release from the metro Detroit furniture retailer. Each location received two chairs. "In recognition of 313 Day, we are honored to provide a gift of comfort to the brave men and women of the Detroit Fire Department, whose dedication ensures the safety of our city," Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White, said in the release. "Our hope is that these recliners offer a well-deserved moment of comfort and relaxation to the first responders who tirelessly protect and serve the community." More: 313 Day and Pi Day = special food deals Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms praised the donation, emphasizing the importance of rest and comfort for firefighters who work long, demanding shifts. 'We are incredibly grateful to Gardner White for their generous donation of 16 recliners to firehouses across Detroit,' Simms said. 'Having a comfortable place to rest between calls makes a real difference. This gift is a testament to Gardner White's commitment to supporting our team and the neighborhoods they serve." Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit firefighters receive recliners from Gardner White on 313 Day
