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Safety Concerns Addressed In Aftermath Of Fatal Fire

Safety Concerns Addressed In Aftermath Of Fatal Fire image
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Day
1
Month
October
Year
1986
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Donated by the Ann Arbor News. © The Ann Arbor News.
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Safety concerns addressed in aftermath of fatal fire
 

Most say the tragedy has spurred the community into dealing with ongoing safety problems in the complex. 'People are beginning to worry about the community,' observed one Hikone resident.

By BILL SPINDLE
NEWS STAFF REPORTER

While a mother and newborn child fight to overcome injuries suffered in a suspected arson, social workers, police and firefighters are continuing to try to calm the anxieties of Hikone Court public housing residents.

Two toddlers were killed in the Sept. 23 fire.

A representative of the Michigan State Police crime laboratory in Northville said tests should be completed today or Thursday to indicate whether a flammable liquid was present when the fire started.

Ann Arbor detectives still say the fire appears suspicious after interviews with surviving family members and Hikone residents. But they are waiting for the lab results before making a final ruling on the cause.

Christine Wilson, 23, was listed in critical condition in the University of Michigan Hospitals this morning. She was burned seriously over half her body after being overcome by smoke. She then gave birth Friday morning to a 5-pound, 7-ounce girl by Caesarian section after a 7 1/2 month term of pregnancy.

The baby, named Angel Denise Wilson, is also listed in critical condition this morning.

Mark Wilson, the child’s father, escaped with minor injuries by jumping out of a second floor window. One of his children and a stepchild died last week from the blaze.

Social workers, firefighters, police and Hikone residents have spent considerable time assuaging fears since the fire. Most say the tragedy has spurred the community into dealing with ongoing safety problems in the complex.

“People are beginning to worry about the community,” said Kathy Baldwin, a Hikone resident.

Social workers at the southeastern Ann Arbor public housing complex brought fire department officials together with residents for a safety workshop Sunday.

Monday, evening services for James and Sharon Layher were well attended. The 3-year-old and 1-year-old died as a result of the fire.

At 7:30 p.m. today, another meeting is being held with police department representatives to discuss wider-ranging safety concerns among residents.

“The tragedy has caused a cohesiveness,” said Nancy Moustakas, a founder of Family Support Systems, a Hikone-based agency under contract with the city of Ann Arbor to provide services to public housing tenants. “In the crisis is when you are going to get people mobilized.”