Bridgeport fire ignites housing change

Bridgeport (WTNH) - A fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her three children has people living in a Bridgeport housing complex worried and asking for safety changes.

Investigators say everything was up to code at the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex, but Friday's fire has many expressing their frustrations.

Folks living at the complex say if they can't get out the one door the option is to climb out windows while holding onto their kids. The city is promising upgrades.

"My family don't feel safe, c'mon man," said resident Michael Lugo.

Residents point out there are no fire escapes, no where to go from a third floor window. From inside a unit you can see stairs from the third floor go right into the kitchen.

Friday's fire started on the stove so the family couldn't get to the front window nor to the only door out.

"Should be two doors to these apartments," Lugo said.

The 360 units at P.T. Barnum are up to code, but the city is now vowing improvements.

"I have to respond. I have a scared tenancy. I have to respond," said Director of Bridgeport Housing Authority Nicholas Calace.

One option being considered is to get rid of those canopies and build a sort of porch across the third floor with railings. It would be an area of refuge so someone could climb out the window and wait for firefighters to arrive.

"Easy thing to say, but very difficult to have happen," said Calace.

The biggest hurdle for making these upgrades happen is the cost any fire improvements would also be at other public housing complexes.

To help defray the cost for the victims of the fire at the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex, the Bridgeport Board of Education and Community's Bank have set up a fund to accept donations.

"We want to send our prayers and condolences out to the entire Black-Williams Family," Superintendent John J. Ramos, Sr. said. "This is an unusual and sad circumstance and because there's been an outpour of school and community support, we appreciate Community's Bank for establishing a means to help us ease the family's financial burden."

"Our bank is committed to the Greater Bridgeport community and we are glad to lend our services and support," Peter Hurst, president and founder of Community's Bank, said.

Donations can be made by check or money order made payable to:
Longfellow School for the Benefit of the Black-Williams Family
c/o Community's Bank
2574 East Main Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06610

This may be done by mail or dropped off at the bank. Cash donations may be made directly to the bank.