Concerns Rise Among University Heights Residents Following Abandoned House Fire

Several residents in University Heights experienced a disturbing morning when they spotted numerous law enforcement and emergency vehicles outside.

Eric Hyman, a five-year resident, recalled, "I heard sirens—10 cop cars and a bunch of fire trucks showed up in minutes." Crews arrived at about 11:50 AM to extinguish a fire in an abandoned house on Georgia Street. Fortunately, they managed to put it out in about 15 minutes, and no injuries were reported. However, investigators are now looking into how the fire started.

This incident isn’t unusual for the area. David Brown, who has lived nearby since 1985, noted, "The fire department has been called at least three or four times in the past six months due to squatters." He expressed concern about the property’s troubled history, especially since it changed hands to a developer.

Neighbors like Hyman and Mike Driscoll have observed ongoing issues. “I can see into the yard from my property,” Hyman mentioned, citing frequent activity at the house. Driscoll, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1999, shared, “They keep fixing the fence, but it doesn’t stop people from getting in. They’ve removed truckloads of junk, but the accumulation continues.”

The abandoned house has a bright red sign warning folks to stay away, and many residents are anxiously wondering when it will be demolished. “It’s been fenced off for 1-2 years now,” Driscoll said.

Experts in urban safety highlight that abandoned properties can attract crime and vagrancy, emphasizing the need for swift action from local authorities. A recent survey from the National Fire Protection Association found that one in five fires is caused by illegal activities in abandoned buildings.

As the community awaits answers from the city regarding the demolition permit, the issue remains a growing concern for the residents of University Heights. For more information on fire safety regulations in abandoned properties, visit the National Fire Protection Association.

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