Jan. 08--Two people were rescued from a house fire on Detroit's west side Saturday night, but Detroit firefighters said they were left to fend off an unruly crowd because Detroit Police did not immediately respond to calls for help.
As firefighters rescued victims from a blaze at Burlingame and 12th that began around 9 p.m., a disorderly crowd of people formed and reportedly went after fire crews.
But no police, EMS or arson units were available when called, Dan McNamara, head of the firefighters union, said Saturday night.
More than an hour after the fire, he said it was still unclear whether any of those units had arrived.
"We're unprotected out here," McNamara said.
Detroit Police Sgt. Eren Stephens said she didn't have specifics on the response time but confirmed that officers were called to the scene. She said the crowd was quickly under control. She was unsure if any firefighters were injured.
McNamara said that, from reports he had received, the scene had gotten ugly outside.
This comes as both the police and fire departments face major budget cuts.
"Public safety holds the city together," McNamara said. "We need to be able to operate."
Copyright 2012 - Detroit Free Press
