Arson Suspected In Fire That Tore Through 3 Neighboring Homes
DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities think an arsonist might be to blame for a fire that started in a vacant home and spread to two neighboring homes in Detroit.
This fire broke out early Wednesday morning on Andover Street off of East State Fair Avenue, just west of I-75 between 7 Mile and 8 Mile roads.
The fire started at an unoccupied home and jumped to a neighboring home where a man was inside.
"I was asleep and I looked out the window and that house next door was on fire," he told WWJ's Mike Campbell.
The man, who did not want to be named, was able to escape without injury. Shortly thereafter, the fire spread to a third home before the flames were extinguished. That home was also occupied and everyone was able to make it out safely.
Chief Anthony Braceful said the fire might have started in the first home's back yard.
"Well, it looks like a pair of arson fire, but it's still under investigation. We had three dwellings going but we've knocked it down now," he said. "So far, no injuries. So far, we haven't been able to find any bodies. So, so far so good, aside from the obvious."
One of the homes completely burned to the ground. Several people reported seeing clouds of smoke above I-75 from the fire, leading to brief slowdowns on the freeway.
An investigation is ongoing.