Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

DETROIT- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of $5, 000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fires set to several structures of The Heidelberg Project on the east side of Detroit.

To date from May 2, until Nov 28, 2013, there have been seven fires set to various structures of the Project.  Experts from the Detroit Fire Department Arson Unit and ATF determined that the fires were intentionally set.  All of the structure fires were a total loss.

The Heidelberg project is a world renowned art exhibit started by artist Tyree Guyton in 1986, using vacant homes in the area bordered by Mt. Elliot and Mack on the eastside of Detroit, Michigan.  

 ” Arsons can have a devastating effect on the community, our chief concern is for families in the surrounding homes and for the lives of the firefighters who respond to these fires.” said Daryl McCrary, acting ATF Special Agent in Charge.  “ATF and DFD will continue to work together toward our goal of a successful prosecution in this crime.”

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the ATF hotline 1-888-ATF-FIRE or the Detroit Fire Arson Unit at 313 596-2940.

This is a joint investigation with the ATF and the Detroit Fire Department Arson Unit.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investing crimes of arson. More information and ATF and its programs can be found at www.atf.gov.

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