Authorities Investigating Cause of Fatal Fire

(DETROIT) -- Authorities are investigating a fire that left one person dead early Friday morning.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the fire was reported just before 2:30 a.m. at 19504 Steel Street.

The victim, a man of unknown age, was killed in the blaze. Two other residents, a 50-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man were treated for minor injuries at an area hospital, the Free Press reports.

Authorities are looking at whether an electrical issue may have been the cause of the fire.

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State Police and DEA to Hold Drug Take-Back Day

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Michigan State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration are teaming up to hold a drug take-back day on April 27.

"It is important for Michigan residents to have a safe and confidential way to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of police, in a statement. "Take-Back Day provides a convenient way for them to do so and helps prevent potential hazards of the misuse of these medications."

Prescription drug abuse is a major health problem across the country. More Americans abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined, according to 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Drugs will be accepted at all 29 MSP posts, and information about additional drop-off points can be found on the DEA’s website. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Police say no liquids, inhalers, patches or syringes will be accepted.

It is free to drop-off and authorities emphasize that drop-offs will be anonymous with no questions asked.

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Residents Urged to Take Precautions During Wildfire Prevention Week

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources is raising awareness of wildfires and fire prevention techniques during Wildfire Prevention Week, which runs until April 27.

According to officials, wildfire risk goes up considerably when spring weather arrives. Out of the nearly 500 fires the DNR responded to in 2012, two-thirds of them were caused by people’s negligence.

"One out of three wildfires in Michigan is caused by someone burning debris who didn’t take the proper precautions,” says Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.

Ada Takacs, a DNR fire prevention specialist, reminds Michigan residents that a burn permit is required to burn brush and debris.

The DNR also stressed the importance of making sure that campfires are properly dealt with. Residents are urged to keep their fires small, and make sure that they are fully out, not just smoldering.

Wildfire Prevention Week is held annually in the third week of April to help educate people to the danger of wildfires.

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Man Charged in Slaying of Taxi Driver

(DETROIT) -- Police arrested and charged a Detroit man with murder in connection with a shooting incident that killed a taxi cab driver earlier this month.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Jerrel Files, 21, was charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, assault with intent to rob while armed and felony possession of a firearm.

The victim, 42-year-old Michael Uche, was shot in front of a home on Saturday morning.

Files is scheduled for arraignment on Friday afternoon.

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Proposed Bill Would Allow Dogs in Outdoor Eating Areas

(LANSING, Mich.) -- A new bill that will have its first hearing on Thursday would allow dog owners to bring their pups into outdoor seating areas or patios at local restaurants, the Lansing State Journal reports.

State law currently prohibits non-helper dogs from entering restaurants, but the proposed bill would give restaurants the right to decide if they want to allow dogs on dining patios or decks, as supposed to being tied up outside the fence.

Rooftop dining areas would still be off limits, as the dogs would presumably need to pass through the restaurant to get to the roof.

Restaurant owners would get the final say if they would allow pooches outside their restaurants, but many are excited, if somewhat wary. A representative from Michigan Restaurant Association told the Lansing State Journal that it was important that owners, not restaurants, be responsible for any problems created by doggie dining companions.

The state House Tourism committee will weigh the bill Thursday.

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