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Detroit commissioner: Let vacant houses burn

Plan would allow vacant buildings to burn if they’re more than 50% ablaze

USA TODAY

DETROIT — The Detroit Fire Department could adjust to a looming 15% budget cut by allowing some abandoned buildings to burn to the ground.

Executive Fire Commissioner Donald Austin said that is one option he will offer Mayor Dave Bing to consider when cutting the 2012-13 budget. The plan would allow vacant buildings to burn if they’re more than 50% ablaze — as long as they’re not a risk to inhabited structures and the weather is favorable.

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