The Warren Housing Authority is assessing damage and planning future improvements after two separate fires damaged multiple housing units earlier this year.
The first fire occurred Tuesday, Jan. 13, around noon and destroyed units 62 through 65. A second fire occurred Tuesday, Feb. 24, at approximately 4 a.m., damaging units 23 through 26.
The housing complex, which was built in 1966 and first occupied by tenants in 1968, had never experienced a fire prior to the January incident, according to Executive Director Mike Jolley.
“The fire in January is the first fire the buildings have had since it was built,” Jolley said.
Following the first fire, the Housing Authority board met Feb. 2 to discuss the future of the damaged units. Jolley said the board voted to demolish units 62 through 65 and repurpose the space for community use.
Plans for the site include the construction of a pavilion, an expanded parking area and a larger storage building.
Housing Authority Project Manager Vicky Tapia said the additional storage space will allow the agency to better assist tenants and the community during emergencies.
“We want to have a bigger storage building in order for us to store items to be able to help our tenants and the community in their times of need the way our tenants were helped when the fires happened,” Tapia said.
Officials said the decision to demolish the units rather than rebuild was based on several factors. Rebuilding costs would be significant, and the close proximity of the damaged units to the main building raised concerns about potential fire spread. Additionally, parking has long been an issue at the facility, particularly when the main building hosts events such as elections, as it serves as a local polling site.
The Housing Authority board has not yet met to determine the future of the second group of units damaged in the February fire.
Fire inspectors and engineers have examined both sites and continue to investigate the cause of the fires. Officials said the investigation could take until June to complete.
Housing Authority staff said all tenants affected by the fires were successfully relocated to other available units.
Staff members also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of community support following the incidents, noting that many residents and organizations donated furniture, clothing and other essential items to assist displaced tenants.
“We want to especially thank the Warren Fire Department, Bradley County Rural Fire Department, Judge Jessie Griffin, Dawn Gorum, Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, West Central Church of God in Christ, Union Missionary Baptist Church, Phoenix Youth, SEACAC, Pastor Alexander of Dumas and the Red Cross of Arkansas,” staff said.
Housing Authority officials said the community’s response helped ensure that residents affected by the fires received assistance quickly during a difficult time.
