MichiganRadio

Detroit fires a "natural disaster" DETROIT, MI (Michigan Radio) - The Detroit Fire Department and DTE Energy are investigating recent fires that devastated neighborhoods across the city.

High winds fueled what officials called "firestorms" that jumped from building to building. Some city blocks were almost entirely destroyed, but no one was killed or seriously injured.

Detroit Fire Commissioner James Mack says his department dealt with 85 burning buildings Tuesday. He says it appears downed power lines caused most of the fires, but at least two were arson-related.

Mack admitted firefighters were slow to respond to some fires, but defends his performance.

"I have to balance the safety of the public with the money that the department has to use to do its service," Mack says. "There wouldn't be much I would do differently, [except] maybe call for help a little sooner."

Mack says several suburban fire departments came to help his overburdened crews.

He says that's the first time that's happened since the city's 1967 riots.
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