Michigan Mayor Says Halloween Fires Down So Far

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing says fires during the Halloween period are down 50 percent.

Bing told radio station WWJ on Monday that 52 fires were reported Sunday and early Monday, down from 104 last year. Residents are patrolling streets to prevent arson at vacant buildings, houses, garages and trash containers.

The mayor says there’s been a “tremendous effort by all.” Detroit gained notoriety during the 1980s when vandals delighted in starting fires across the city. The night before Halloween has been called “devils’ night” but Detroit refers to it as “angels’ night.”