Residents Call For Better Fire Response In Southwest Detroit Neighborhood

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Some residents of Southwest Detroit are asking for more firefighters -- and even a ladder truck -- in their community.

The Urban Neighborhood Initiatives group has contacted their councilwoman, who's looking into the matter. Nicole Stoll said that there are a lot of fires in the neighborhood and she knows a family that lost its home.

"That they get the equipment that they need to put out these house fires to possibly save lives -- it could be my house," Stoll said. "I would love for them to have what they can have to save my house if the situation comes to be."

Residents say there are a lot of fires in Southwest Detroit. One firefighter said that the closest ladder truck to Engine Company 33, Ladder 13, is about four miles away.

Sonia Ramirez said that the fire station on Lawndale doesn't even have a ladder truck anymore, just a pumper truck.

"We need them, we really do," Ramirez said. "There's too many people around here -- gang bangers that set fires just for the fun of it. Yeah, we need it."

WWJ has contacted the Mayor's office for comment.