Highland Park Issues Boil Water Advisory After Warehouse Fire

Nearby residents were evacuated and are now being housed temporarily at a church where the Red Cross is assisting.

Officials in Highland Park are issuing a boil-water advisory for the city after a large fire consumed a city warehouse. The fire, which began early this morning, prompted the evacuation of nearby residents and a senior-living facility. George Washington Carver Elementary School was closed as well. The warehouse was being used by a few organizations, including the wood salvaging group Reclaim Detroit. Highland Park Mayor Hubert Yopp says the fire at the large warehouse stretched for about three blocks.

“A fire of that magnitude is not extinguished in one application of water. You have to monitor that location and make sure it doesn’t flare up again, so we’ll be there for a couple days.”

Hubert Yopp, Mayor of Highland Park

Yopp says because the Highland Park and Detroit Fire Departments are using a lot of water to deal with the fire, water pressure has dropped. As a result, officials are asking residents to boil water for at least five minutes when drinking from the tap or preparing food.

Author

  • Eli Newman
    Eli Newman is a Reporter/Producer for 101.9 WDET, covering breaking news, politics and community affairs. His favorite Motown track is “It’s The Same Old Song” by the Four Tops.