Angels’ Night Anti-Arson Campaign Marks 20 Years

Volunteers have cut end-of-October fires from hundreds to a few dozen in Detroit.

It’s been 20 years since Detroit’s first Angels’ Night patrols began with city leaders recruiting volunteers to watch neighborhoods for trouble during the last three nights of October. That was once “prime-time” for arsonists who typically struck around what was then known as Devils’ Night, setting hundreds of fires and igniting more bad publicity for the city. Officials reported fewer than 100 fires during last year’s Angels’ Night period. Campaign chair Ray Solomon II tells WDET’s Pat Batcheller that thousands of volunteers have made the difference. Click on the audio player to hear the conversation. For more information, call (313) 224-4415.

Curfew information from the City of Detroit:

The emergency curfew will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Oct. 29, 30, and 31.

During this time, it is unlawful for juveniles 17 and under to be on any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, playground, vacant lot or any other unsupervised outdoor public space, or in any arcade, billiard or pool hall, bowling alley, restaurant, theater, or place of amusement or entertainment WITHOUT a parent or guardian. Violators will be ticketed. Parents or guardians may also receive a parental responsibility citation.

Pat Batcheller

 

Author

  • Pat Batcheller
    Pat Batcheller is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news, traffic and weather updates during Morning Edition. He is an amateur musician.