Mayor-Elect Herrin's

BOROUGH BRIEFS

 

November 20, 2017

 

The Barclay tragedy is on all of our minds ... I will keep you updated as information comes in. 

~Dianne

Dianne@Herrinformayor.com

Photo: Jim Salvas

The Barclay Investigation 

Since the Barclay Friends Senior Living Community caught fire Thursday evening, we all want to know the facts. Here's the situation as it currently stands:

 

  • As of Sunday afternoon, 10 people remained hospitalized for observation due to smoke inhalation. One was expected to be released yesterday or today.
  • Several residents remain unaccounted for despite reports to the contrary.
  • The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) -- which is working with the Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office, Emergency Services Management Office, West Chester Borough Police, and Chester County DA's Office -- is managing the investigation and release of all information. ATF is here because West Chester needs the Bureau's expertise and resources. ATF is bringing in heavy equipment today (Monday) and has a forensic team on site (structural engineers, chemists, certiified fire investigators) to evaluate all evidence that remains on the scene and to determine the cause of the fire.
  • Firefighters doused hot spots through Saturday night. Until Sunday morning, the hot spots prevented anyone from entering the building.
  • On Sunday, structural engineers planned to assess the building to make sure it's safe to enter, but strong winds elevated the risk of collapse and they were unable to do so. 
  • Today (Monday), the engineers should be able to proceed with the structural assessment, and ATF anticipates the forensic team will begin the investigation today.
  • There is a press conference planned for today (Monday), and the ATF spokesperson is optimistic they will have an announcement about the investigation on Wednesday, but this could change.

 

While it's hard to tell how long the investigation will take, it could take as long as a month before ATF is able to identify the cause of the fire. We need to trust in the process as we await information about the residents and the fire investigation. I will keep you informed as the process unfolds. 

We Are West Chester

Rep. Comitta at the Red Cross Emergency Shelter in the wee hours of Friday morning (above). Volunteers at the Good Will Fire Company donate and organize clothes, toiletries, and other items for the Barclay residents on Sunday, below.

Photos: Karen Cavin (above),  Dennis Wallace (below) 

 

From the moment the fire started, we the people of West Chester have shown who we are. The local firefighters and police are simply incredible, tirelessly serving our community -- and saving lives. Neighbors surrounding the Barclay were nothing short of heroic, assisting in the rescue efforts, comforting residents in the cold night -- and saving lives.


Across town, the University opened its doors to the Red Cross, which established an emergency shelter in a very short time. WCU students (many Abbes and Friars) set up cots and assisted the dedicated staff of the Barclay as residents arrived. Community members showed up with blankets; some brought coffee and snacks for the volunteers donated by WaWa. At the

 

shelter, WCU administration and campus police were there at every turn. During one of many profound moments, I saw a volunteer give an unopened, handwritten letter to a member of the Barclay staff. Someone had grabbed the letter during the rescue effort and wanted to be sure the resident received it.

 

Yesterday, drop-off donations for the displaced residents at Good Will Fire Co. reached such volume that the drive ended 4 hours early. The fire hall was packed with volunteers.

 

Although our hearts are heavy, it is in times of crisis that we show who we are. It's hard to find the words to describe how wonderful our community is. We are West Chester. 

Donated items and volunteers at Good Will Fire Company on Sunday afternoon. 

Photo: Kyle Hudson

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO HELP

Click here to donate to the Barclay Friends Recovery Effort. 

Click here to donate to the Tri-County Red Cross.

Content generated by Dianne Herrin.

Dianne@Herrinformayor.com

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