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Man charged in connection with fire that injured 5 Detroit firefighters

Suspect identified as 73-year-old Henry VanReyendam

The suspect, 73-year-old Henry VanReyendam, wascharged with one count of second degree arson, according to police.(WDIV)

DETROIT – A man was charged Saturday in connection with the Detroit house fire that injured five firefighters Thursday, according to Detroit Deputy Fire Commissioner Dave Fornell.  

The suspect, 73-year-old Henry VanReyendam, was charged with five counts of first-degree arson, one count of second-degree arson and one count of arson - preparation to burn, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said. 

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The vacant home in the area of Whittaker and Mullane streets went up in flames. When the firefighters went to the upper level of the house, it collapsed.

One of the firefighters suffered a broken leg. Another firefighter suffered third-degree burns and was treated at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Three other firefighters were treated and released from a hospital.

The Detroit arson unit, Detroit police, Detroit Fire Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the arrest.

An online fundraiser was created to help victims of the fire. To donate, click here.


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