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Feb 5, 2008 3:19 pm US/Eastern
Deadly South Boston Fire Blamed On Smoking
SOUTH BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Investigators have figured out what caused a deadly fire in South Boston condominium complex on New Year's Eve.
Fire officials now say the blaze was started by the irresponsible disposal of smoking materials.
The seven-alarm fire swept through the five-story condominium complex just before 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. It was so strong it forced firefighters to leave the building before they could determine everyone who had been trapped inside.
The next day crews found a second body in the same unit where they found another the night before.
The first victim, Peter Clancy, 47, died from smoke inhalation, shortly after firefighters pulled him out of his first floor unit, where the fire started.
The second victim was eventually identified as his 46-year-old wife, Arvette.
Because of the intense flames, crews were ordered out about 45 minutes after they arrived at the 18-unit brick building on New Year's Eve.
Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said the roof had collapsed into the top floor, then partially into the floor below.
The search was delayed until a city building engineer determined the structure was safe for firefighters to enter. Investigators say the age of the building contributed to the speed of the fire.
The fire started in Clancy's first-floor apartment in the kitchen at the rear of the building. Within minutes, flames spread to all five floors. Some 130 firefighters responded. Six other buildings in the neighborhood were evacuated as a precaution.
The building at 309 Emerson Street was the former Hotel Eaton. It had been converted into condominiums.
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