Photo appears to show Detroit firefighters posing in front of burning house

DETROIT – There is controversy surrounding a photo showing Detroit firefighters posing in front of a house that’s engulfed in flames. The photo has not been verified but is believed to have been taken Tuesday night. The home was vacant. Local 4 has been told the picture was supposed to be a sentimental moment for Battalion Chief Gary Fisher, who was retiring.

4 Fast Facts

• Multiple local hospitals have announced the first babies born in 2020. Click here to read more.
• Potter Park Zoo is asking for the public’s help in naming a new baby black rhino. Click here to read more.
• Former NBA commissioner David Stern has died at the age of 77. Click here to read more.
• A 17-year-old accidentally shot himself Tuesday in Detroit with a gun he said he found, according to police. Click here to read more.

Be Informed

Stolen SUV crash

Fire trucks, emergency vehicles and a slew of police cars surrounded the area of Livernois and I-96 in Detroit on Wednesday when a police chase ended with a crash. The vehicle, which had three people inside, slammed into a light pole about 1:45 p.m. Police said everyone inside the 2003 Honda Pilot was under the age 20.

Bullet strikes EMS vehicle

A bullet smashed through the windshield of a Detroit EMS vehicle just minutes before the new year officially began, police said. The EMS was on a run around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday in the area of I-96 and the Davison Freeway when the bullet struck the upper left portion of the windshield, according to authorities. Officials said the bullet ended up near the steering wheel. It is believed to be a bullet from celebratory gunfire coming back down.

Hot travel deals

If you’re planning to travel in 2020, there are some great deals you can snag right now. Puerto Rico is a top destination, and there’s currently deals on flights and hotels. There are roundtrip direct flights from Detroit Metro Airport to San Juan later this month that cost $215. There are a slew of four-star hotels in Puerto Rico listed for less than $150 a night, and many of them include extra promotions, such as free breakfast.

House fire escape

Nine people escaped a house fire Wednesday afternoon on Detroit’s east side. The home on Keystone Street near Mound Road caught fire while a family was inside. Officials said one person was treated for smoke inhalation, but everyone is safe and expected to be OK.

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• Police investigating after man’s body found on Detroit’s west side
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Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 -- Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020