JANUARY 12, 1999 - Consumer & Industry Services Director Kathy Wilbur today announced the closure of White Oak Manor in Mio, MI due to the imminent fire safety dangers uncovered in a recent comprehensive fire inspection by the CIS Office of Fire Safety.

A comprehensive fire safety inspection was conducted Jan. 8, 1999 in response to an electrical fire at White Oak Manor on January 4, 1999, by the CIS Office of Fire Safety in conjunction with the Oscoda County Electrical Inspector.  The inspection revealed imminent fire safety problems and concluded that the building could no longer be occupied.

"We regret the disruption to the lives of residents and families but we have no choice given the unsafe situation which exists at the facility," said Wilbur.  "Everyone at both the state and local level is working very hard to help settle residents in nearby facilities.

Major violations of the electrical codes were found at the inspection and included improper wiring and grounding, open junction boxes, ungrounded circuits and the use of extension cords as permanent wiring.

Based on these findings, it was determined the electrical wiring posed an imminent danger to life and property and the facility is on a 24-hour fire watch until all the residents can be relocated to other facilities.

Under Michigan statute, a facility that has not been approved for occupancy by the Office of Fire Safety cannot be licensed.  Accordingly, the facility's license is revoked and the transfer of residents to other nursing homes or other appropriate care settings is in progress.

During this period, Catherine Hunter, Licensing Officer, Gaylord Office may be contacted at 517.732.8062.  There will also be a family meeting Wednesday, January 13, 1999 to explain the situation to residents' families and answer questions.  Because the meeting cannot be held at the facility, it will take place at the Mio Community Center on 9th Street in Mio.

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