Free Talk Live

Detroit Fire Department Executive Fire Commissioner Donald Austin said he's proposing the city allow vacant buildings and homes to burn themselves out - but under conditions. “We are in no way looking to 'let the city' burn, this is about saving lives and money,” Austin said. “My department is strapped, the budget is strapped, and it’s time to look at a new way of doing things.” It's one of 3 proposals, the other 2 being to use the Navy for demolition, and creating a demolition unit within the Fire Dept, with the heavy equipment needed.