WESTFIELD-As families impacted by the April 22 fire at the Powdermill Village Apartments slowly put their lives back together, the Westfield Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the last of its logistics required by local and state guidelines.
“We arranged with the Westfield Fire Department and Peabody Properties (owners of the complex) to conduct four-hour blocks of time this week and next week to act as escorts when fire victims return to their smoked-filled apartments to retrieve salvageable items,” said Jim Wiggs, director, Westfield Emergency Management Agency.
Jim Wiggs, director of the Westfield Emergency Management Agency, said the department is wrapping up its commitments to the tenants impacted by the recent fire at the Powdermill Village Apartments.
Wiggs noted on Thursday morning that the fire department escorts will also provide a hard hat, mask and gloves to tenants while they are in their apartment. Due to the smoke-filled rooms, only 20 minutes at a time is allotted for tenants to retrieve items before they must go outside for fresh air.
On April 26, local and state agencies came together for a “resource fair” for fire victims so they could learn about resources available to them and to address their concerns. The event was coordinated by the Westfield Emergency Management Agency and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Wiggs added that after last Thursday’s resource fair, it is now the responsibility of those impacted by the fire to follow up with appropriate resources.
“We did everything in accordance with city and state guidelines and have worked collaboratively with staff at Peabody Properties,” said Wiggs. “What we stress to people now is to put normalcy back into a child’s life as soon as possible.”
Doreen Bushashia, president of Peabody Resident Services, Inc. (at Peabody Properties), extended a thank you to the many individuals and agencies that came together to assist the fire victims.
“The resource fair was truly a genuine mutual effort by all involved and we want to recognize the amazing support from the Tenants Association of Powdermill Village, the Westfield Fire Department and Westfield Police Department, Mayor Brian Sullivan, neighboring fire departments for their coverage support, the Pace Program staff, and the Powdermill Village management team, staff members and support staff,” said Bushashia in a statement.
Bushashia added that she and her team were grateful to everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support.
“It is in difficult times that we see just how incredible people can be and we are so grateful for the combined and outstanding efforts of all – true support, strength and connection that are making the impossible become possible,” said Bushashia.
Bushashia noted that the management team and staff members have also gone above and beyond their duties to assist families.
“We have found homes for a number of the displaced residents and, we are continuing to work one-on-one with the residents and a number of organizations and agencies to help find solutions for all the 21 families whose lives have been disrupted by this fire event,” said Bushashia.
Wiggs is also confident that the remaining families who wish to remain living in the city will find appropriate housing.
“With college students leaving in the next two weeks, families should be able to find apartments,” said Wiggs.
The apartment complex that sustained fire damage remains fenced for safety and security reasons.
“At this time the building is being evaluated,” said Bushashia.
