MI- Vigilance deters Halloween eve arsons in Detroit

10-31-2008 Michigan:

DETROIT (AP) — Increased vigilance by fire officials and volunteers appears to have kept the number of arsons low in Detroit on the night before Halloween.

Mayoral spokesman Daniel Cherrin says 47 of the 65 fires reported Thursday and early Friday are suspicious. The total reported is consistent with last year.

He says two people died in what is believed to be an accidental house fire.

An estimated 147 fires were reported during the three-day Halloween period in 2007.

Cherrin says about 3,500 volunteers will patrol Friday night.

WJRT-TV reports at least 11 fires in Flint late Thursday and early Friday.

The Saginaw News reports at least 18 blazes in that city. Saginaw fire officials say two firefighters were injured and tell the newspaper that most of the fires are arsons. ..News Source.. by MLive