Copyright 2005 THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Fire official says fire sprinkler system would have saved lives, ‘changed the outcome’
By BRANDON FORMBY and MARISSA ALANIS
Staff Writers
The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas — Dallas fire officials continued to investigate the cause of a Saturday afternoon fire that killed one and forced evacuation of the Wedgwood Tower apartments in west Oak Cliff.
Seven residents were taken to local hospitals. One remains in critical condition at Parkland Memorial Hospital, and one remains in fair condition at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, said Dr. Paul Pepe, the city’s medical emergency services director. Margaret Lawson, 84, died of smoke inhalation and heat injuries.
Fifteen residents will stay at an American Red Cross shelter at Kidd Springs Recreation Center until at least Tuesday, Red Cross spokeswoman Elizabeth Lancaster said Sunday night. About 41 residents, most of whom are elderly, have registered with the Red Cross.
Most residents have stayed with family members and friends
Ms. Lancaster said it isn’t known yet whether the Red Cross will move the residents to another shelter after Tuesday. She also said Red Cross workers will assess each apartment unit this morning to determine what the agency needs to provide for the residents should they return.
Lt. Joel Lavender, Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman, said Sunday that the fire at the 300-unit complex in the 2500 block of Wedglea Drive was the largest in Dallas this year.
“I think as far as manpower, it was one of the largest fires in Dallas in 10 to 20 years,” Lt. Lavender said.
He said more than 180 firefighters responded after the fire broke out about 2:40 p.m.
Investigators will try to determine not only what started the fire but also how it spread. They will review firefighters’ tactics and the response of emergency personnel.
Lt. Lavender said the building wasn’t required to have a sprinkler system because it was built before sprinkler systems were required by law. But it would have helped, he said.
“I wholeheartedly believe that a sprinkler system would have changed the outcome,” he said. “You always have to understand that fire sprinklers save lives. I believe a sprinkler system would have made a tremendous difference in yesterday’s event.”
Building owner Ray Stern said he is still shocked about the blaze and concerned about the residents. He said he knows the cause of the fire but would rather Dallas Fire-Rescue release it.
“It was through no fault to the building,” said Mr. Stern, who has owned the property for 37 years. “I can guarantee you that.”
Mr. Stern, who did not know the exact number of residents, said he is unsure when they can return to their homes. He said crews will be on site this week cleaning up and examining elevators.
Resident Chris Tarbel slept on a cot in the recreation center’s gym Saturday night. He returned to his apartment early Sunday to grab some belongings and medication.
“My apartment looked OK,” he said. “There was nothing wrong with it. I was ready to stay.”
Mr. Tarbel said the situation reminds him of Hurricane Katrina.
“It sure makes me think about what happened to everybody during the hurricane - not that I hadn’t thought about it before,” Mr. Tarbel said.