By Edward Mason
The Boston Herald
BOSTON — A nine-alarm inferno that engulfed a block of abandoned warehouses in Roxbury Saturday night was sparked by fireworks set off by people possibly living there illegally, Boston fire officials said.
Four or five men on the roof of 31 Norfolk Ave. set off fireworks that traveled to the roof of 57 Norfolk Ave., according to spokesman Steve MacDonald.
The fire department called the blaze accidental and said the men, who have not been identified, may be cited.
The men were among a group of people living in four apartments on the second floor of 31 Norfolk Ave., MacDonald said.
Inspectional Services Department is investigating whether the apartments are legal, MacDonald said.
ISD officials could not be reached last night.
Warehouse owner Candeloro Maggio of New Hampshire acknowledged he had commercial and professional tenants in his building.
He said he had five tenants including a jeweler, an auto body repair shop, and a musician, but thought they were allowed.
Maggio, who inspected the property yesterday with police and fire officials, said he found used bottle rockets in the warehouse ruins and believes at least one of his tenants had a fireworks party’’ on the roof Saturday night.
Maggio said ISD toured his apartments a year ago. The inspector told him it appeared people were sleeping there, which was illegal,’' Maggio recalled.
Maggio didn’t believe he did anything illegal. He said he rented artist lofts’’ and told his tenants this is not your primary residence.’'
The inspector told him he would be cited, though he could not remember what for.
Maggio said he never received a citation.
Copyright 2010 Boston Herald Inc.