2015 Angel's Night Was Detroit's Safest On Record
DETROIT (WWJ) -- What was once a menace to Detroit authorities and residents alike, Angel's Night came and went relatively quietly on Friday.
The city saw only 11 fires during the second day of the Angel's Night patrols, the lowest since the annual campaign began 20 years ago, city officials announced Saturday. With one day left, the Detroit Fire Department has responded to 28 fires, down more than half from last year's two-day total of 66 fires.
More than 3,500 volunteers registered for active street patrols this year, officials said. The large number of active patrollers has helped to further reduce so far the number of fires the city experiences during the three-day Angel's Night period. In the 1980s, the city experienced hundreds of arsons during the pre-Halloween period, with more than 800 in 1984.
With few exceptions since then, the number of fires has continued to steadily decrease, thanks to strong community volunteerism and organization.
An emergency curfew requires all minors age 17 and under be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (with identification) from 6 p.m. on Oct. 29 to 6 a.m. on Oct. 30, and from 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 to 6 a.m. on Oct. 31.
During the emergency curfew hours, minors will be allowed to travel to and from work or educational or training programs, but they must carry proof of employment or attendance. Minors violating the curfew will be ticketed and held until picked up by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian also may receive a parental responsibility violation ticket.
A second emergency ordinance prohibits the dispensing of fuel into portable containers in Detroit from October 27 at midnight through October 31 at 11:59 p.m. except for certain emergency situations for those 18 years of age and older.