Detroit house fire kills two on city's west side, police investigate possible arson

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Police say two people died Monday morning in a house fire on Detroit's west side. They are investigating the possibility of arson.

7 Action News is being told the victims are 67-year-old Bobby Cross and his 46-year-old stepson Darryl Simms.

Simms had recently moved in because he needed assistance after suffering a stroke.

The fire broke out on the 12800 block of Fielding Monday morning.

Firefighters who responded say the two were found in a bedroom together.  It appeared one was trying to help the other out a window when they both were overcome by smoke and flames.

Others live at the home, but were not there when the fire started.

Firefighters tell 7 Action News the closest fire station is only 3 minutes away from the home, but it was closed Monday because of a lack of staff due to cutbacks. 

Firefighters say they had to come from a fire station that is about 8 minutes away.

Some firefighters question whether the longer drive cost these men their lives.