Fire Severely Damages Dearborn Councilman’s Home
The home of Dearborn City Councilman Robert Abraham suffered severe fire damage Saturday night in a blaze believe caused by an electrical failure.
No was home at the time of the fire, except the family’s pet dog, Dublin. The animal was killed in the blaze.
The fire did considerable damage and it will be at least six months to a year before the family can return to their home. Councilman Abraham said fire officials told him the blaze appears to have started in the basement ceiling and kitchen floor. The blaze was so severe by the time Dearborn Fire arrived at 8:54 p.m. that the entire kitchen essentially fell into the basement. An official determination by the Dearborn Fire Department on the exact cause of the fire should be known in a week or two.
Councilman Abraham said while the fire to the family’s home and the loss of their pet dog has been hard on he and his wife and their children, they are grateful no one was injured in the fire. He said the outreach from neighbors and people in the community offering their support to he and his family has been heartwarming and greatly appreciated.
“We have had overwhelming support from the community,” he said. “We are so very fortunate . . . Thank God no one was hurt or home at the time. We lost a lot but we will get through this.”
Abraham said many people have offered gifts of financial assistance to his family, as well. While those offers are sincerely appreciated, he said the family invites anyone interested in making such a gesture to instead give a donation to the Dearborn Animal Shelter in Dublin’s memory.
Those interested in making a donation to the Dearborn Animal Shelter can do so online at www.dearborn-animals.com, by phone at 313.943.2697 or by mail to Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter, 2661 Greenfield, Dearborn, MI, 48120.
Our prayers and support go out to the Abraham family.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Very sorry for the Family, I heard Bob went in to save the Dog, very couragous of him. My prayers go out to him and his family. I also have a couple empty rooms if they need a place to stay.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:03 am
How terrible. Kitchen fires are scary, and about a third of all fires in the U.S. start in the kitchen. I believe Judge Hultgren’s house also was destroyed by a kitchen fire not long ago. In both instances, it was lucky nobody was at home, although my heart goes out to the Abraham’s for the loss of their dog.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Dublin was a wonderful and exceptional dog. When neighboring dogs would bark at him, he would not even bark back and he was so lovable and well behaved. Being an animal lover myself, if I had to pick out the ideal dog, it would have been Dublin.
My heart goes out to the Abraham’s for the damage to their home and the loss of their wonderful pet Dublin.
I feel even sadder for their daughter who just adored her wonderful pet and buddy Dublin. He will be missed by many, including me…
October 4th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Judge Hultgrens house was not destroyed by a kitchen fire, the home did not have a kitchen. The cause was undetermined by the Michigan State Police.
October 6th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Judge Hultgren’s house didn’t have a kitchen? Are you serious?
October 7th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
It flooded years ago and was under construction, no walls in the house even. He got about $70,000 for the flood and who knows what for the fire. No kitchen, no bath, no water…
But in answer to your question, yes I am serious.
October 12th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Thanks Joe–I never heard about this. If we weren’t talking about a judge, I’d say that sounds just a bit suspicious, but I’m a little paranoid…