Bridgeport looks closer at fire safety

Some changes are being put into motion to safeguard people in Bridgeport public housing. They include both short-term and long-term improvements when it comes to a fire.

The fire that killed a mother and three children inside this apartment at the PT Barnum housing complex and task force made of local fire, education, building officials and area clergy are prompting immediate changes from the city of Bridgeport.

Starting immediately, the city will focus on fire safety education at the Longfellow school, where the children attended and many living in the PT Barnum complex go. All tenants at PT Barnum will also undergo fire safety training and the plan for each unit will be reviewed every year.

"Working with fire department to certify they went through it and with the schools to make sure kids got it in schools. They have to come with a statement signed off by someone who is training that they went through fire safety training in their apartment," Mayor Bill Finch said.

The 360 apartments at PT Barnum are up to code, but have only one entrance and windows to get out. State lawmakers will also review the state building code to see what might be added to increase safety.

The city will also explore the idea of retro-fitting the building with things like fire escapes and sprinklers.