Community Risk

Detroit Family Stays in Burned Home to Protect It

March 22, 2013

A family has decided to stay in a home damaged by a fire that started in an empty neighboring building for fear someone will rob and burn what little they have remaining.

Source FOX - 2 WJBK (Detroit)

A family is convinced that they are the victims of an arsonist. However, they refuse to become a target for thieves, even if that means they have to sleep under the stars because after that fire, some of the outside is looking in.

Fire trucks and flames are some of the scariest sights and sounds to rise to, but that was the start of what proved to be a dreadful day for a family on Dickerson on Detroit's east side.

The blaze began at an abandoned brick house, then the fire forced its way to them.

"When I looked out the window, there were bursting flames everywhere burning up the side of the house," said Thelma Davis. "It was so bad I had to run the kids out without any clothes on and grab covers and whatever I [could] to take them out."

"I really do believe somebody set that house on fire," said Theresa Davis.

When the smoke cleared and the firefighting crews finished, the abandoned home was a disaster and at the Davis' home, Thelma said, "In [one] room I could just see the sky."

"You can't go in the room anymore because the squirrels and all that might come in," said Theresa. "[There is] a hole in the ceiling."

"The fire department in order to save you, they have to tear the house up," Thelma explained. "The whole left side of the house is burnt up. All my children's things got damaged, their beds."

The Red Crosss was waiting in the wings ready to rescue them from the wreckage, but they refused to remove themselves from the mess not because they don't want to, but they believe if they walk out, the crooks will walk in.

"They might break-in. If they'll start a fire and burn me out, what's next," said Thelma. "I believe that I have to stay here to protect what's left."

"We don't want them to take the little that we have left. That's like taking our dignity," Theresa said.

Three adults and four small children were inside that home when the fire started next door. The children are staying someplace safe, but the adults are staying put. They are going to pack up and bundle up as they try to figure out where else they will call home.