The Socialist Equality Party has initiated the formation of a Citizen’s Inquiry into the circumstances behind a January 5 house fire on Dexter Avenue in Detroit. The fire killed three people who were living without utilities. (See, “The Dexter Avenue fire: Utility shutoffs and the social crisis in Detroit”)

The fire was caused by a space heater the family was using after DTE Energy turned off gas and electricity to their home in July 2008.

The inquiry will include a series of interviews with family members of the victims, neighbors in the Dexter Avenue area, Detroit residents experiencing similar conditions, and experts on social conditions in the city.

The inquiry begins with an interview of Charlotte Nash, the sister of Tyrone and Marvin Allen, two of the victims of fire. The third person killed was Tyrone’s girlfriend, Lynn Greer. Both Marvin, 62, and Tyrone, 61, were disabled.

All workers in the Detroit area and others throughout the country are urged to come forward and support this inquiry by providing information and testimony.

A fact-finding hearing will be held on March 20, from 1-5 PM, in Detroit, Michigan. For more information, click here. Contact us today to become involved.