DETROIT – Investigators are looking into the cause of a fire that damaged a family’s home on Detroit’s west side.
Firefighters rushed to Yellowstone Street early Thursday (Jan. 18) morning, where a disabled single mother, her two girls, and her son had to be rescued from their burning house.
“They were carrying the kids out,” said neighbor Sonia Brown. “No shoes. No socks.”
Brown said she and other neighbors jumped into action to help the family as firefighters responded.
Brown said, “She’s a single mother, just trying to make ends meet. Just a mother trying to see her way through as she’s raising her children. This is enough. This is almost the straw that breaks the camel’s back when you’re struggling in some cases.”
Brown runs the nonprofit “Auntie Na’s Village’ from several neighboring homes on the same block.
The organization provides emergency shelter, warming centers, clothing, food, and other resources to various community members in need.
Brown said she knows how devastating a fire can be for a family.
“Many, many, years ago, right here on this very block, we lost six children to a house fire,” Brown said.
The mother and children who lived in the fire-damaged house are part of Auntie Na’s extended village. That’s why Brown wanted to thank the Detroit Fire Department for its quick response.
“You all went for it,” Brown said. You all got that go-for-it spirit. That’s what I love about my Detroit Fire Department. And you all were here on time this morning. So, thank you!”
For now, Auntie Na’s Village is prepared to continue helping its neighbors in any way it can, knowing the family lost everything.
Brown said, “Again, as Detroit is known to do, we go for it and take care of our own. That’s what we’re looking to do again.”
Brown said Auntie Na’s Village could use much support, including volunteers, generators, and donations.