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Highland Park fire chief reports six house fires, flags vacant property with repeated blazes
Summary
At a Highland Park meeting, the fire chief reported six house fires and 71 total runs in the recent reporting period, highlighted repeated fires at a vacant house at Stevens and John, and said the department participated in community events; commissioners requested monthly run data for comparison to 2024.
Fire Chief (name not provided) told Highland Park commissioners at their meeting that the fire department logged six house fires and 71 total runs in the most recent reporting period and described several notable incidents, including a catastrophic fire at a two‑family building at 759 Pilgrim that was vacant and under renovation.
The report matters because repeated fires at vacant, unsecured properties can pose ongoing risks to neighbors and require coordination between code enforcement, property owners and emergency services, the chief said.
The chief listed the six house fires and other runs by location: a commercial fire at an oil‑change business on Woodward, separate incidents recorded near Davidson and Lincoln, and multiple recent fires at a long‑vacant house at Stevens and John that the chief said has been repeatedly targeted. The chief characterized the Pilgrim blaze as “catastrophic” and said the structure had been vacant and undergoing work at the time of the fire.
The chief also said the department took part in parades and community events this month and provided general staffing updates. Commissioners asked for comparative monthly totals from last year; the chief agreed to supply monthly data so the board can compare the current period to 2024, which the chief described as “the busiest ever.”
Commissioners and staff noted uncertainty about ownership of the repeatedly damaged property at Stevens and John; the chief said it appears vacant and unsecured but that he was not sure whether the city or a private party holds title. He asked staff to research the property’s ownership and tax status.
A commissioner asked the chief to provide the department’s monthly run totals for the previous year; the chief said he would provide that information at a future meeting. No formal motions or votes were taken on the report.
Less urgent community details included the department’s outreach activities and a request from a commissioner that the chief compile monthly statistics for comparison. The meeting moved on to police reports and internal‑affairs matters after the fire department update.
