Lawmaker Seeks Federal Help After Detroit Fires
State Sen. Hansen Clarke is meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials in Washington to discuss aid to Detroit following a series of fires that destroyed 29 occupied homes in several neighborhoods.
Clarke spokeswoman Kim Bowman says Monday's meeting focuses on federal grants to hire more firefighters and other funds for new home construction to replace burned down houses in stable neighborhoods.
City firefighters were undermanned in responding Sept. 7 to fires that burned 71 structures.
Most of the fires are believed to have started after winds of 50 mph caused trees and branches to fall on power lines.
Clarke, a Democrat, faces Republican John Hauler of Grosse Pointe Woods in November for the 13th Congressional District seat.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
