Detroit mayor laying off 164 city firefighters - WNEM TV 5

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing says he's laying off 164 city firefighters by the end of July.

The mayor made the announcement on Monday, but also said he expects the city will get a federal grant to fund and restore 108 of the positions.

And Bing says many of the remaining 56 firefighters will be recalled through attrition.

In a statement, Bing says "laying off any of our courageous and dedicated public safety personnel is the last thing" he wants to do. But the mayor says the city's dire fiscal situation is forcing him to make the move.

The announcement came after Detroit fire crews responded to a string of about 16 building fires on the city's east side. Arson was a possibility in the blazes late Sunday and early Monday.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.