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Detroit Firefighters Respond to Three East Side House Fires Amid Arson Investigation

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 23:16 GMT by Detroit News

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Detroit Firefighters Rattle Off Three House Fires on East Side, Investigations Underway

On the evening of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, a flurry of activity erupted on Detroit’s East Side as the City’s fire department responded to three separate domestic fires that broke out in a short span of time. According to reports from the Detroit News, firefighters battled flames at three distinct addresses between 8:47 p.m. and 10:05 p.m., extinguishing all three incidents without any reported injuries or fatalities.

How the Incidents Unfolded

The first fire was reported at 1231 East Jefferson Avenue, a two‑story family home that had been occupied by a long‑time Detroit resident. Residents were awakened by the sound of a kitchen fire that had quickly spread to the living area. The structure had been partially abandoned for the past year, with the owner reportedly waiting for a potential buyer. Firefighters arrived at 8:57 p.m., used a combination of water hoses and foam to control the blaze, and managed to contain the flames within the kitchen before they could reach the living spaces. The building was fully evacuated, and the damage, while extensive, was limited to the interior; the roof remained intact.

The second fire broke out at 1124 South Roosevelt Avenue, a single‑family home that had been on the market for a few weeks. Residents had been on their way to a meeting when the fire alarm sounded. Fire crews arrived by 9:21 p.m., and a combination of high‑pressure water streams and a fire‑extinguishing chemical helped put out the inferno in about 20 minutes. The property’s exterior was scorched, and the roof was partially collapsed, but there were no reports of injuries.

The third and final incident occurred at 1150 W. McNichols Street, a duplex that had been partially occupied by a family of four. This fire was the most severe of the three, with flames reaching the upper level before the crew could fully extinguish the blaze. Firefighters had to work in the middle of the night, arriving at 10:05 p.m. and using a combination of water and fire‑suppression foam to bring the fire under control. The property suffered significant structural damage, with the roof largely collapsed and walls charred. While the family had been evacuated earlier in the evening, they were later rescued from the burning building. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Response and Resources

Detroit Fire Department (DFD) crews dispatched a total of 16 engines, 8 ladder trucks, and two rescue units to the three sites. Fire Chief Michael A. McKay, speaking to the Detroit News after the incidents, highlighted the department’s swift response and the coordination with local police and emergency medical services. “Our crews responded within minutes of the first call and were able to contain the fires before they could spread to neighboring properties,” Chief McKay said. “We are proud of the teamwork that was on display tonight.”

The DFD also noted that the use of fire‑suppression foam was critical in the third incident, where the fire’s intensity had threatened to engulf the neighboring houses. Foam helped to smother the flames and reduced the amount of water needed to avoid excessive structural damage from water infiltration. The department’s resources included a newly acquired mobile foam cart that had been installed earlier in the year as part of a citywide initiative to upgrade firefighting capabilities.

Police Investigation and Arson Hints

In the aftermath of the three fires, the Detroit Police Department (DPD) launched a joint investigation into potential arson. Officer Daniel L. Ruiz, who has been the city’s chief investigator for fire-related crimes, told the Detroit News that “we have preliminary evidence suggesting that these fires may not have been accidental.” The DPD’s preliminary review indicated similarities in the ignition points and the use of accelerants in each property. While no charges have been filed yet, investigators are collecting evidence from the fire scenes, interviewing neighbors, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby security cameras.

The police also mentioned that the DPD is working closely with the Detroit Fire Department’s fire investigators and the state’s Bureau of Criminal Identification and Analysis (BCIA). The BCIA’s forensic experts are assisting in the analysis of the charred material found at the scenes, specifically looking for traces of gasoline or other accelerants. Additionally, investigators have requested assistance from the local school district’s security team, as one of the fires (at 1150 W. McNichols) was located within a block that includes a public elementary school.

Community and Housing Context

The three properties that were targeted for these fires were located within a densely populated residential neighborhood that has historically faced economic challenges. The Detroit News linked to a previous article on the city’s Housing Safety Initiative, which details ongoing efforts to improve the condition of older homes, install smoke detectors, and conduct community outreach to educate residents on fire safety. The initiative, launched in 2022, has aimed to reduce the incidence of domestic fires in the city’s under‑resourced neighborhoods.

In the article’s “Related Stories” section, readers were directed to a feature on the city’s emergency preparedness program, which discusses how neighborhoods can form volunteer fire watch teams during peak fire risk periods, such as the dry winter months. That article emphasized the importance of residents reporting suspicious activity and ensuring that their homes were properly maintained and fire‑safe.

Aftermath and Future Precautions

In the days following the incidents, city officials have urged residents to perform routine checks on their electrical wiring and heating systems, especially in older homes. Detroit’s Mayor, who appears in a brief photo in the article, encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity and to keep fire extinguishers easily accessible. He also promised to allocate additional funds toward expanding the city’s fire safety outreach and to continue the collaboration between the DFD and the DPD.

The DFD’s chief also announced plans for a neighborhood watch program that will be implemented in the East Side, specifically targeting the block where the three fires occurred. “We are working to create a safer environment for our residents, and part of that involves community involvement,” Chief McKay said.

While the city’s fire department managed to extinguish all three fires and prevent further damage to adjacent homes, the investigation remains ongoing. The Detroit News’s coverage continues to track the developments as the DPD gathers evidence and the forensic teams work to determine whether these were indeed acts of arson. The article concludes with a note that the city’s emergency response teams are standing by for any further incidents, underscoring the city’s preparedness for future emergencies.