ATF finds fire that injured 6 Detroit firefighters was intentionally set

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Agents with the department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms say the fire that destroyed a number of businesses on Detroit's east side Friday was arson.

They say the fire originated in the back room of the Metro PCS cell phone store. No other details about the cause have been released.

A reward totaling $15,000 is being offered for information leading to a successful arrest and conviction. $10,000 is being offered by the ATF. $5,000 is being offered by the Michigan Association of Arson Prevention. Anyone with information is asked to call 1 (888) ATF FIRE.

Six firefighters were injured in the fire. The men were injured when a second story wall collapsed right above them and fell to the street. They had returned to battle the fire after it had rekindled. Firefighters had been at thescene earlier in the evening and thought the fire had been extinguished. However, officials now say that it had only been suppressed and reignited inside the walls.

As of last check, four firefighters are still hospitalized. Brian Baulch is in serious condition at St. John Hospital. Eric Jurmo is in fair condition at Detroit Receiving. Brendan Milewski is in fair condition at Detroit Receiving.

No further updates are being provided on Lieutenant Gerald Rutkowski at the request of his family. At last update, he was in serious condition at Royal Oak Beaumont.