'Pure Negligence' MI Chief Says of Detroit FFs Leaving Fire

Jan. 4, 2024
Highland Park Chief Erik Hollowell said the Detroit officer's decision endangered his crew.

“It is absolutely not OK.”

That's what Highland Park Fire Chief Erik Hollowell said of Detroit firefighters packing up and leaving as a house continued to burn. 

“Our firefighters responded quickly faster than the other two agencies responded and got in with charged line and got individuals out, saved a woman and a child that were inside a burning building,” said David Levalley told WDIV. 

When they were ordered to stop, exit and leave, one firefighter said they were close to extinguishing the fire. 

Detroit firefighters said if they are ordered to leave, they must wait for backup to get to the fire.

But, a high-ranking Detroit firefighter argues that's not the case adding that they should not have left. 

Hollowell said the decision to leave, endangered his firefighters. 

He also balked at officials' claim that the backup crew was going into the building as Detroit firefigthters prepared to leave. 

 

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