Preliminary Investigation Result Released While A Community Still Mourns Fire Fighters

 Chief of Department Kevin MacCurtain along with Local 718 President Ed Kelly held a press conference yesterday at 1:30 regarding the tragic 4 alarm fire in West Roxbury that claimed the lives of two veteran Firefighters Paul Cahill and Warren J. Payne.

MacCurtain stated that the fire was burning for almost an hour in a crawl space before the gases ignited the ceiling setting the stage for the tragedy."It wasn't until a portion of the fire dropped down into the kitchen that they (the workers) found out there was a fire and quickly evacuated calling for 911".

Originally Firefighters felt this would be a routine fire and would easily be controlled but then the unexpected happened. "Very quickly and very suddenly, the entire ceiling -- fiber ceiling -- was blown down under force.

The volume of fire was pushed down that had accumulated in the crawl space. It accumulated in the crawl space because as the fire was smoldering and burning, it was giving off toxic and flammable gases.

Those gases found enough air to suddenly ignite and flash and push the ceiling down. That's when the firefighters were very quickly overcome, and scrambling to get out," MacCurtain said. A 3 ton commercial air conditioner fell through the roof contributing to the tragedy.

An emotional Ed Kelly, president of the Boston Fire Fighters Union stated "Last night's tragedy has devastated the Boston fire family. We are rallying around each other. Right now, our focus is to take care of the families of Warren and Paul".

While the investigation continues, residents of West Roxbury, business owners and Fire Fighters from several surrounding communities continue to visit the quarters of Engine 30 and Ladder 25 where Cahill and Payne were assigned.

These companies were the first due, arriving at the fire scene within 2 minutes. Condolences, flowers, Fire T Shirts from several fire departments and cards make up a huge memorial in front of the station.

Many people are bringing food and other items or just to comfort and console the members of this station. A hand drawn sign hanging over the station's fire box reads "We Will Never Forget You, We Love You".

The members of the companies have been very grateful for the outpouring of support and sympathy but the job goes on. The bell still rings and the brave men and women still don their gear in a race to save a life, even if it means giving their own such as Phil and Warren who will be forever remembered as heroes.

Time Line for Box 281 1727 Center Street:

9:05pm Box 281, Center and Manthorne Road for a building fire at Thai Ho Mandarin Restaurant
9:09pm 2nd alarm transmitted by Ladder 25
9:17pm 3rd alarm transmitted by Division 2
9:21pm 4th alarm transmitted by Division 2

The building was a 100' x 30' block of stores. Businesses damaged by the fire were the Parkway Law Office, Lessence Art Gallery, Ferns by Sheila Cobb, Thai Ho Restaurant, Continental Shoppe, Superflash T Shirts and Sportswear, and the Imperial Monogram Company.

A fund has been established to assist the Cahill and Payne families. Donations can be sent to:

West Roxbury Fire Fund
c/o Boston Fire Fighters Credit Union
60 Hallet Street
Dorchester, MA 02124

The West Roxbury Business Owners Association will be holding a fundraiser on Friday September 21, 2007 from 7pm to 12am at Mosely's on the Charles at 50 Bridge Street in Dedham, MA. Inquiries can be directed to Shirley Walsh email swalsh@kalenbardune.com or by calling (617) 413-7782