Fewer Fires, Volunteers This Angels' Night DETROIT, MI (Michigan Radio) - Detroit officials are calling this year's "Angels' Night" effort to combat Halloween arson a success.

The city reported 119 total fires during the three-night Angels' Night period 91 of which were considered "suspicious." That's down from 136 total fires last year.

Detroit Fire Commissioner James Mack says the combined efforts of the police and fire departments and citizen patrols kept Devil's Night arson to a minimum. But Mack says citizens need to keep an eye out year-round, because total suspicious fires have steadily increased over the past several year.

"The citizens are our first line of defense," Mack says. "We need them out there with their eyes and ears open, and call 911 if they see suspicious activity. Because firsthand information is how we catch these people."

Mayor Dave Bing says about 30-thousand volunteers pitched in for this year's Angels' Night. That's a smaller number than in years past.

Bing says fewer city workers participated in the effort, possibly because his administration and city unions are involved in contentious contract negotiations.
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