Flames engulf a home on Detroit's east side in September. Fire officials say flames swept through dozens of homes in Detroit, fanned by strong winds that toppled power lines across the city. (Photo by Marcin Szczepanski / Detroit Free Press)

DETROIT CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER HOME FIRES

DETROIT – Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown, as chair of the Public Health & Safety Committee, will hold a public hearing tomorrow afternoon regarding the mass home fires in the city during the early September windstorm that destroyed more than 60 houses. Pro Tem Brown and the committee have concerns on fire preparedness, fire response and electric utility safety. This hearing is the public’s opportunity to share their concerns and the impact it may have had on their life.

The September windstorm mass home fires public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at 3 p.m. in the Erma B. Henderson Auditorium on the 13th Floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. Representatives from the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) and DTE Energy have been invited.
All City Council members are expected to attend.

“I’ve heard the outcries from citizens both impacted by the fires and those generally concerned about fire response,” said Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown. “Public safety is one of my top three priorities and it pains me to see the mismanagement in the fire department. We did the research during this year’s budgeting process. Even with a reduced budget, the DFD has the resources to increase fire response, fill vacancies by retirees with newly trained fire and EMS recruits and repair equipment on a scheduled basis that doesn’t leave our citizens without the proper service. As a resident and a council member, the September fire response concerns me greatly.”

The City Council’s Public Health & Safety Committee waited to hold this meeting until now in order for the administration, DFD and DTE Energy to do its due diligence and provide a response. Pro Tem Brown added, “I believe now it’s time they provide a report and allow the public to be heard. If you are unable to attend the hearing, it will be shown live online on the City's website."

Visit www.garybrown4detroit.com and follow Pro Tem Brown on Twitter at www.twitter.com/garybrown4detroit to be posted about public hearing broadcast web links and read about what occurs at the hearing.

About Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Gary A. Brown Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Gary A. Brown has a proven track record of dedicated service to the City of Detroit. As your councilman he is providing leadership, accountability and transparency in city government. With a record of being a consensus builder, he is helping to restore integrity and unity to council. President Pro Tem Brown is working collaboratively with colleagues, the mayor, other levels of government and business and community organizations to address the most significant challenges facing Detroit. President Pro Tem Brown promises to be your champion and humble servant on issues that matter to you, and to be a vigilant custodian of your hard-earned taxpayer dollars. Visit www.GaryBrown4Detroit.com to keep posted to legislative actions, including the proposed alarm ordinance.