Investigations Continue into Bank Fire; Residents Concerned About Safety

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

Fire marshals are questioning witnesses, and gathering evidence, at the scene of Saturday's deadly blaze at the former Deutsche Bank building. They're also inspecting the standpipe, which failed to pump water up to firefighters battling the fire on the upper floors of the abandoned building.

REPORTER: Local residents still say they're concerned about air quality, despite assurances from redevelopment officials that twelve air monitors have shown no dangerous levels of asbestos and other toxins from the highly-contaminated building.

REPORTER: City councilman Alan Gerson says he plans to hold hearings, saying the city's office of emergency management could have done a better job communicating with concerned residents.

GERSON: Residents were left not knowing weather they should have their windows open or closed their air conditioners on or off. In fact they were given conflicting information as to weather or not it was safe to remain in their apartments.

REPORTER: Gerson also wants samples taken of dust and debris, on the street as well as in people's homes.

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