Investigation launched after Detroit firefighters pose for photo in front of burning house

By: CBS News

January 2, 2020

DETROIT, Mich. (CBS) -- A group of Detroit firefighters are facing criticism after posing for a New Year's Eve photo in front of a building engulfed in flames. Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones told CBS News on Thursday there will be an investigation into the controversial image that was posted on social media.

According to The Detroit News, the photo was shared on the "Detroit Fire Incidents" page just before midnight. The Facebook post included the caption: "Crews take a moment to get a selfie on New Years!" The undated photo was removed on Wednesday after firefighters concerned about their jobs asked to take it down, the "Detroit Fire Incidents" page said.

In regards to the photo that was removed we would like to clear a few things up, First of us no one at this page took...
Posted by Detroit Fire Incidents Page on Wednesday, January 1, 2020

A local news reporter shared a before-and-after photo of the building, the latter showing the house completely destroyed and charred.

Kodak moment leads to controversy! A Detroit fire crew is now in hot water after taking this photo for a fireman’s retirement. The vacant home eventually burned to the ground. I’ll have reaction from people nearby in about 30 mins on @Local4News pic.twitter.com/C2ObyVy6s4
— VICTOR WILLIAMS (@NewsWithVictor) January 1, 2020