Even Devils' Night Has Fallen On Hard Times

Fire company closings are problematic as well. While attempting to cut costs, the lack of coverage is reflected in workload increases on remaining units.  One statement by Detroitfirefighters and officers that I heard over and over was that, "The fires seem to be getting bigger." The buildings are the same and arsons occur at the same rate, but could it be that companies having to travel longer distances to reach the scene are finding fires that have had a longer time to develop? 

The decline in Devils’ Night (or Angels’ Night if you prefer) fires over the years is a good thing, but one can’t help to wonder if it reflects the decline in the city as a whole. City blocks without houses are everywhere and on almost every street, it’s rare that you cannot see a vacant building or two.

Meanwhile,Detroit firefighters come to work every day, facing rumors of more cutbacks and company closings, and depending on the election tomorrow, the possibility of not being able to do anything about it. 

A cold, windy and damp Devils’ Night indeed.