Today marks 1 month since deadly Twin Parks fire claimed 17 lives

Today marks one month since a fire tore through the Twin Parks North West apartment building killing 17 people.

News 12 Staff

Feb 9, 2022, 12:35 PM

Updated 972 days ago

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Today marks one month since a fire tore through the Twin Parks North West apartment building killing 17 people. The impacts of that tragic fire are still being felt day in and day out as the community calls for change.
Sheikh Drammeh is the community coordinator for the Islamic Cultural Center, a place that has served as a refuge for the survivors these last four weeks. Drammeh says they're grateful for the support they've received. However, their pain runs deep.
They have found a new purpose though.
"It highlights the urgency of addressing these issues," Drammeh says.
A call for action is already in progress as Representatives Ritchie Torres and Yvette Clarke announce the Safer Heat Act.
"One of those standards would be a requirement that every space heater be manufactured to shut off automatically," Rep. Torres says.
This legislation is part of a larger package that would require every federally funded development to have a self-closing door. Also, as part of the Housing Temperature Safety Act of 2022, the installation of heat sensors in all federally funded developments.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is spearheading similar legislation in the Senate. Torres is also introducing bills that would withhold money from landlords who don't comply with codes as well as a law for housing inspection transparency,
As for the investigation into the building, the Department of Buildings says it is still ongoing. A spokesman for the owner says only 14 units are not livable.
Seventeen families have been helped and signed new leases at a new building with more being signed this week. According to the Office of Emergency Management, those in hotels have their stays covered through March 7.