Following the devastating fire that struck Highland Court Apartments on Mother's Day, leaving five people dead, the building has been cleared by law enforcement, and tenants are calling for immediate access to their apartments. According to a statement by the owner released yesterday, residents should now be able to return to their units to collect personal items and survey the damage where it's deemed safe to do so.
Despite the fact that the Milwaukee Fire Department exhibited bravery saving residents with ladders and other equipment during the fire, the building lacked a sprinkler system. This is notable because Highland Court was constructed before such systems were mandated. According to the statement by the building owner, discussions on building code provisions and potential solutions are forthcoming in a zoning committee meeting next week.
The fire on May 11 not only caused physical damage but also significant emotional distress for the residents and their families. The speed at which tenants are allowed to return is a crucial factor in their recovery process. "The experience of May 11 has been extremely traumatic for the residents of Highland Court (and their loved ones), and they should not be traumatized further by any additional delay that keeps them from returning to inspect their homes," the owner conveyed in a public statement on the City of Milwaukee website.
