Residents from Detroit and its surrounding suburbs have been supplies to Detroit firefighters because the cash-strapped city is so short on funds that it could not provide its firefighters with the basics — like toilet paper.

Detroit's fire commissioner told Detroit's CBS affiliate that the toilet paper shortage was due to a supply problem and is being resolved. 

Meanwhile, Detroit Firefighters Association president Dan McNamara said the firefighters were grateful for the donations because many firefighters have not able to clean themselves properly after using the restroom.

"Some firefighters have even had to disrobe in their garages and go into their house to take a shower because they were afraid of contaminating their families or their homes," McNamara said. 

Photo: Chris Waits