The Detroit Fire Department almost lost another firefighter in a suspected arson fire when power lines fell across the top of a ladder truck on Sunday, shocking a 7-year veteran.
“Sparks were flying,” arson investigator Steve Varnas said this morning.
Engine 33 responded Sunday to the fire in a vacant house near South Bayside and Sanders streets on the city’s southwest side at about 3 p.m. The lines fell across Ladder 13 firefighter Christopher Glaub, who was spraying water from atop the firetruck.
“It was charged. A firefighter that would have been grounded on the ground, touching the rig, might have been killed,” Varnas said.
The shock sent Glaub hurtling off the truck to the ground. He then got up and went back to fighting the fire, Varnas said.
“He’s a tough firefighter. He shook it off and kept working,” Varnas said.
About three hours after the fire, Glaub went to Detroit Receiving Hospital complaining of a headache. He’ll be off for follow-up care, Engine 33 Sgt. Bob Grysko said this morning.
Knowing the fire may have been intentionally set is part of the job, as tragic as it may be and especially in light of firefighter Walt Harris’ recent death, Grysko said.
“It’s just time and time again. It’s just a matter of time for him, and Harris as well,” Grysko said. “That stuff is commonplace here.
“You’d have to be a little nuts if you’re not a little afraid,” he added. “But that’s the way it is. That’s part of the job.”
Varnas said the department is still investigating who set the fire that killed Harris, 37, of Sterling Heights, on Nov. 15. The 17-year Fire Department veteran died when a roof collapsed as he was fighting an arson fire in a vacant house on Detroit’s east side.
Varnas said he hopes witnesses come forward to help on both fires.
“The people gotta come forward,” Varnas said. “If people don’t get involved, don’t take that step to prosecute, they’re out there again and again and again and again.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Detroit Fire Department arson unit at 313-596-2940. Residents can also call the state’s anonymous arson tip line at 800-44ARSON (442-7766), which pays up to $5,000 for information on arson fires.
By TAMMY STABLES BATTAGLIA
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
