A former Detroit firefighter, Eric Dwayne Anderson, 52, has been charged with arson, home invasion and larceny after prosecutors allege he started multiple fires on the city's west side between July 19 and Aug. 4. Investigators say items — including a refrigerator, stove and two pit-bull puppies — were stolen and several homes and a commercial dumpster were set ablaze. No injuries were reported. Anderson is held on $1 million bond and faces a probable cause hearing on Aug. 18; he resigned from the department in June 2023.
Ex-Detroit Firefighter Charged In Series Of Arsons, Thefts And Home Invasions
WXYZ - PHOTO: ire damage is seen at a home in Detroit that prosecutors say was one of several set on fire.
A former Detroit firefighter, Eric Dwayne Anderson, 52, has been indicted on multiple counts after prosecutors said he is suspected of setting several house fires and stealing property across the city's west side over a span of weeks.
Allegations and Timeline
Prosecutors say the fires occurred between July 19 and Aug. 4. Anderson faces charges including arson, home invasion and larceny in connection with multiple incidents investigators say involved deliberately set fires at private residences and a commercial dumpster.
WXYZ - PHOTO: Eric Dwayne Anderson appears in court remotely from a Detroit jail, Aug. 10, 2026.
Reported Thefts
Authorities allege that in one incident Anderson set a home on fire and then entered a nearby firehouse, stealing items while firefighters were responding to the scene. In a separate case, prosecutors say a refrigerator, a stove and two pit-bull puppies were taken from a residence before that house was set ablaze.
Injuries, Custody And Proceedings
No injuries were reported in any of the fires, officials said. Anderson is being held on $1 million bond. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18. Online court records did not list an attorney for him at the time officials released the charges. According to officials, Anderson resigned from the Detroit Fire Department in June 2023.
Detroit Fire Commissioner Charles Simms: "The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing, particularly because they involve a former member of the Detroit Fire Department and an alleged theft from a firehouse while our firefighters were out answering a call for help. Anyone who deliberately sets fires, steals from a firehouse, or otherwise jeopardizes the safety of Detroiters will be held accountable, regardless of who they are or whether they have ever worn a Detroit Fire Department uniform."
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy: "The alleged criminal actions of this former firefighter are horrifying. This case shocks the conscience."
Authorities continue to investigate the string of incidents as criminal proceedings move forward.
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