News of the Township
Highwood Fire Update: Township Provides Support to Fire Victims

For Immediate Release
June 29, 2009
Contact: Mari Barnes, Supervisor, 847-432-3240

As a result of the June 15 fire at North Shore Estates in the lower level, of nine people transported by officials to area hospitals, one required a multiple night stay for injuries suffered after jumping from an adjacent apartment. The Highwood Fire Department was assisted by several others under a MAVIS (mutual assistance) system, and the fire got under control efficiently and quickly, according to officials.

"There's always chaos at the beginning of a situation like this, but we've made a lot of progress in coordination of services over the last few years," said Highwood's Fire Chief Tom Lovejoy. The fire was "accidental, probably electrical" in origin, according to Chief Lovejoy.

The Township arranged and paid for four overnight hotel rooms to accommodate the fire victims, which included adjacent apartment tenants. Adjacent apartment dwellers were given the OK by the Highwood Fire Department to return to their apartments after only one night, and the one directly-affected family quickly found a new apartment on Deerfield Road in Highland Park.

The Township has been working with the affected family to be certain their needs are met with regard to re-establishing their home, supplying food, clothing and access to furniture donations. Gift certificates and bills charged at local stores for supplies are provided by the Township in such emergencies to all those affected. In addition to Moraine's mission-mandated role, the community has stepped up with generous support.

Residents with furniture to donate to this family should contact Moraine Township Supervisor Mari Barnes, and she will put them in touch with the fire victim family.

This emergency serves as a reminder to residents that Moraine Township goes into action behind the scenes of first responders, seeing to it that once the appropriate professionals have secured community safety, victims are provided for. Philanthropically-minded residents are encouraged to donate financially to the Moraine Township Charitable Fund, and/or to donate staple, nonperishable items to the Food Pantry.

"Moraine Township is the community's public assistance conduit, in emergencies and at all times," according to Supervisor Barnes. "We can avoid a lot of confusion and donor fatigue if this message gets out to all the well-intentioned people who live in this generous community."

For detailed information about the scope of Moraine Township's activities, consult their website at http://morainetownship.org. The office phone number is (847) 432-3240.

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