HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A recent fire in Highland Park has left not just one, but several homes in a state of dangerous disrepair, raising concerns among neighbors and affected homeowners.
The fire happened on May 22 in a vacant house on Pilgrim Street and quickly spread to the neighboring duplex where Carol Jones lived.
Carol described the terrifying moment: “A loud boom like a bomb. Flames just shot out. Busted through my dining room. The flames come flying in.”
The fire caused significant damage not only to the vacant home but also to the adjacent duplex.
Elizabeth Jones, the owner of the duplex, reported that the damage has made her and her tenants uneasy.
For weeks now, repairs to her house have been delayed due to debris and parts of the burned structure falling onto her property.
Elizabeth expressed concern about a piece of roof left dangling on the neighboring lot that could soon come crashing down.
She described the situation as a “100 percent” inconvenience, highlighting that two families have been displaced due to the fire and its aftermath.
Elizabeth said she has reached out to the city of Highland Park regarding the hazardous conditions, only to learn that the city has a procedural approach to such incidents.
Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald explained that it is the property owner’s responsibility to secure the property where the fire occurred.
The city’s capability is limited to issuing tickets to the property owner and potentially considering the nuisance abatement ordinance.
The mayor said the owner of the property told city staff she’s a single mother and could not afford to repair nor tear down the house. While the property owner faces citations, the city of Highland Park has ruled the house condemned.
Elizabeth voiced her frustration, stating, “There should be another process in place, an emergency process, to be able to protect the person who has been victimized. I am the victim of this.”
According to the mayor, the next steps involve determining whether the burned house qualifies for demolition; after that, the city will assess the legal and funding considerations specific to Highland Park.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is still weighing her options to repair her own home and facilitate the return of her displaced tenants.