Grosse Pointe Shores public safety chief questions if DTE meter led to house fire

In-Depth Analysis

## Background The sequence of events began when the Greenhill family smelled gas after taking their son to school. Acting responsibly, they called DTE Energy. Sarah Greenhill recounted that DTE sent someone out while she ran errands and her husband was at work. Later, her husband received an emergency call from DTE, rushing home to find their house ablaze.

## Investigation Underway Public Safety Director Ken Werenski noted that firefighters faced challenges upon arrival as the second floor was already fully engulfed, and they needed DTE to shut off the gas supply before safely entering the structure. His statement explicitly links the timing of DTE's presence and meter work to the fire's ignition, suggesting a potential causal relationship that requires investigation. Crews from Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, and Grosse Pointe Farms collaborated to combat the fire.

## Utility Response and Safety Protocols DTE's official response confirmed their presence due to a gas leak report but remained non-committal about the cause, pending investigation. They reiterated standard safety advice for suspected gas leaks: evacuate the area, call 911, then call the DTE leak hotline (800-947-5000). This standard procedure is crucial for public safety but leaves questions unanswered regarding this specific incident's circumstances.

## Community Impact While the investigation continues, the Greenhill family faces the loss of their home. They expressed gratitude for the firefighters' bravery, particularly in rescuing their pet, and acknowledged the significant support received from their son's school, church, and neighbors. This highlights the resilience of the community in times of crisis.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• **Gas Safety Awareness:** Recognize the smell of natural gas (similar to rotten eggs) and take any suspicion seriously.
• **Emergency Procedures:** Know the correct steps: evacuate immediately, call 911, then call your utility provider's emergency line from outside the affected area.
• **Home Safety Measures:** Consider installing natural gas leak detectors in your home, especially near appliances and meters.
• **Utility Accountability:** This incident serves as a reminder to stay informed about utility safety practices and the outcomes of investigations into such events.

Discussion

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