Detroit firefighters injured in suspected arson; person of interest runs from police

DETROIT – Police are searching for a person of interest that ran from officers during an interview after two Detroit firefighters were injured battling a house fire Wednesday morning on the city’s west side that authorities say was intentionally set.

EARLIER REPORT: 2 Detroit firefighters injured battling house fire on Minock Street

The fire started shortly after 4 a.m. in the 8500 block of Minock Street, which is near Joy Road and Evergreen Road. Investigators say a flammable liquid was poured near a window and the home was set on fire. Authorities say the fire burned for a while before emergency crews were called to the home.

Firefighters were told someone was trapped inside.

“You go into what we call rescue mode,” Deputy Fire Commissioner Dave Fornell said. “While they’re stretching the hose lines, waiting to get water, people actually went into the fire.”

Three firefighters went running into the house as the fire flashed over, erupting and filling the home with flames, forcing the firefighters to jump out of windows to escape. Two of the firefighters suffered burns. Both were taken to the hospital. One of the firefighters was released. Neither suffered life-threatening injuries.

Fire officials said no one was ever trapped inside the home.

Authorities spoke to a young man at the scene about the incident when he suddenly took off on foot. The Chevy Trailblazer he was driving was left running at the scene.

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About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.