'Perfect Storm for a Tragedy': Fire Commissioner Reacts to Report on Fatal Fire

Boston, MA - Two years after a 9-alarm blaze took the lives of two Boston firefighters in Back Bay, the fire chief reacted Thursday morning to a report detailing the deadly episode, calling it a "perfect storm for a tragedy."

"As you can imagine, this has been a very traumatic couple years for us as a department," Boston Fire Commissioner and Chief Joseph Finn told reporters.

The families of Lt. Ed Walsh, 43, and firefighter Michael Kennedy, 33, saw advance copies of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report before its public release. Finn opened a press conference at Boston Fire Department headquarters by reading statements from the lieutenant's widow, Kristin Walsh, and from Kennedy's mother.

"We owe it to Ed, Michael Kennedy and all of the firefighters on scene that day to make sure that the city never has to face a tragic fire like that again," Walsh's statement read.

The report identified issues that led to the deaths of the two men in March of 2014. The two first responders went to the basement of the Beacon Street home, where the fire originated, in response to reports that a tenant might still be inside.

• Read the full National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report from Patch

Finn walked reporters back through the fatal timeline step-by-step during the press conference Thursday.

"Try to imagine that turbulence, that wind going into the building," Finn said, saying blustery conditions have been identified as the event that trapped the firefighters in the basement, despite entering the building with ease.

The fatal factor, he said, was how long it took to notify the fire department of the incident. He also called out two issues identified in the NOISH report—lack of hydrants on the rear of the multi-family home, and an open door that fanned the flames like a "bellows," causing the fire to escalate.

"Very drastically, the situation changed," he said. "The situation deteriorated so rapidly, and so quickly, the decision was made to evacuate the building, the decision was made by me."

Close to two dozen more first responders were also injured in that fire. In response to reporter questions, Finn acknowledged staffing could be examined, however, "If four firefighters went to the basement, my opinion is we would have had more dead firefighters," he said.

Reporters also questioned hoses that burned through even as the trapped firefighters called for water. Finn put the question on manufacturers, saying they should develop fireproof materials, particularly after this incident. Kennedy's mother in 2014 created a foundation in her son's memory to help fund that research.

The fire chief also noted the Beacon Street blaze happened two months after Mayor Martin Walsh took office, and that the department was in a state of transition. He said the fire department has increased its safety training in the aftermath of the fatalities.

>> Screenshot of Fire Commissioner Joeseph Finn via CBS Boston live broadcast