Debris from vacant house fire creates safety hazard in Highland Park

A fire in Highland Park on May 22 affected a vacant house and spread to a neighboring duplex, displacing two families and causing significant distress to the owner, Elizabeth Jones. Despite her concerns about the safety hazards posed by debris from the vacant house, city procedures require the property owner to address the site, leaving Jones frustrated at the lack of emergency measures. The mayor mentioned the possibility of applying the nuisance abatement ordinance while the city evaluates demolition options, considering the owner's financial difficulties. Meanwhile, Jones continues to seek solutions to repair her home and accommodate her tenants.