Boston officials: Fatal Beacon Street fire caused by welding

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Boston Fire Commissioner John Hasson said the 9-alarm fire that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters was caused by welders doing work in the rear of a neighboring building.

The welders were working on a railing at 296 Beacon St. Hasson said sparks from the work likely got underneath the shingles of 298 Beacon St. and festered there for a while, causing a fire to ignite.

"It's an older wood building, it's probably dried out, the fire got rolling, it was fed by the wind off the Charles and ultimately consumed the whole building," said Hasson.

Lt. Edward Walsh and firefighter Michael Kennedy died in the March 26 blaze. More than a dozen others were injured.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County District Attorney's office said they do not believe the fire was intentional.

Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans said the welders did not have a fire detail. Officials added that there is no record of a permit being pulled for that work.

Officials did not comment further on the welding work, citing an ongoing investigation.

Under Boston's fire prevention code, a "fire watcher" designated by the head of the fire department must be present when combustible materials are within 35 feet of the work or if they are more than 35 feet away, but exposed to ignition by sparks. It is unclear whether or not the welders were required to have a fire watcher on-site.

After the announcement, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh released a statement, saying he is encouraged investigators have made significant progress identifying the origin and cause of the fire.

"This remains an active investigation in the capable hands of the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, and the Suffolk District Attorney's Office," said Mayor Walsh's statement in-part. "I am confident they will pursue the appropriate course of action in this case, and they have my full support as they continue this investigation and evaluate their next steps."

The owners of 296 Beacon St., Oliver Realty Limited Partnership, released a statement Friday that read in part:

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire which occurred last week at 298 Beacon Street, adjacent to a building (296 Beacon Street) owned by Oliver Realty Limited Partnership. Our hearts go out to the families of the firefighters who gave their lives to save others and protect property. The company recently contracted with a third party to install safety railings at 296 Beacon Street. It was the company's understanding that these railings would be prefabricated offsite."

Cox Media Group