Ed Kelly, president of the Boston firefighters’ union, said the recommendations “clearly show that the training and oversight provided by management of the Boston Fire Department is in need of major reform.” In a statement, he said the report would provide a “blueprint to move this department forward.”
A federal review of the 2007 restaurant fire in West Roxbury that claimed two Boston firefighters’ lives has found numerous inadequacies in the fire department’s response to the blaze.
Firefighters Paul Cahill and Warren Payne died in the fire, which occurred Aug. 29, 2007 at the Tai Ho Restaurant. A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health investigation found “insufficient” training and tactics as well as “ineffective” communications and management at the scene. The report also questioned the clothing and protective equipment firefighters used.
Boston Fire spokesman Steve MacDonald said command staff is reviewing the report’s recommendations, adding that the department’s own board of inquiry issued an analysis a year ago and many of those recommendations have been implemented.
“It’s a serious document, and it’s always helpful to have an outside agency look at this and see how we can improve things,” MacDonald said.