Detroit Firefighters Battle Flames In Bone-Chilling Temperatures
DETROIT (WWJ) - Firefighters battled bone-chilling temperatures while trying to contain a two-story house fire on Detroit's northwest side.
Fire broke out early Friday morning at a home in the 15000 block of Ashton Street, along the Southfield Freeway just north of Grand River Avenue.
Sgt. Russell Zaris told WWJ's Mike Campbell that firefighters had to return to the home after a spark rekindled the flames.
"It appears there was an illegal electrical hookup, but we're not really sure what started the initial fire," he said. "The second one, it appears to be due to embers and high winds."
Weather forecasters say the wind chill in Detroit made already freezing temperatures even lower, in the - 17 to -23 degree range. Zaris said the cold and snow make a their job even harder.
"These weather conditions make firefighting in Detroit exceedingly difficult. With the snow and the frigid temperatures, it's almost impossible to keep your guys safe when you're under these conditions," he said.
No injuries were reported. An investigation into a cause of the fire remains ongoing.