Sprinkler system a focus in Dorchester fire probe – Boston Herald

The sprinkler system at the six-story, 83-unit Treadmark complex in Dorchester that went up in flames Wednesday remains the focus of a fire department probe, with the building owner claiming an inspection was set for yesterday.

Part of our investigation is what was operational and what wasnt, Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said last night. The fire was on the roof and sixth-floor only ... its all still part of our investigation.

Fire Commissioner Joe Finn added earlier yesterday that the sprinklers being offline was a major contributing factor to the fire that caused an estimated $45 million in damage.

Sprinkler systems are supposed to be turned on two floors below the work area for buildings under construction, Finn added.

Developer Jim Keefe of Trinity Financial said the sprinkler and life safety systems were installed and were slated to be tested (yesterday). They could not have been activated until approval was received.

The wood-frame apartment and condo block on Dorchester Avenue, which was nearing completion with units already under agreement, had condos listed for $339,000 to $539,000. MacDonald said the building is a total loss.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh said he was grateful no one was hurt in the fire and said he wanted more information before commenting on the buildings wood construction being a potential factor.

I dont know if theres a risk, theres thousands and thousands of these units built all over Massachusetts that we dont have an issue like this, Walsh said. Obviously with buildings made of wood, yeah, you have to be careful.

Keefe backed the wood framing, saying hes confident in this building methodology. He said no final decision has been made on the next step for the complex.

Many units in the building had already been rented or sold. Walsh said the city will set up an operation inside City Hall to work with any families who might have planned to move and were displaced.

Joe Dwinell and Dan Atkinson contributed to this report.

Go here to see the original:
Sprinkler system a focus in Dorchester fire probe - Boston Herald