EVERETT, Wash. — An investigation has found that a fire chief was not drunk the night of a fatal fire on New Year’s Eve.
City officials confirmed that Fire Chief Murray Gordon, with the Everett Fire Department, had consumed a glass of wine before learning of the fire and responding to the scene, King5.com reported. Investigators determined there was “no credible evidence that Chief Gordon responded to the scene under the influence of intoxicants or impaired by his consumption of intoxicants.”
“I have consistently maintained that I was not impaired the evening of the Bluffs apartment fire and I am pleased that the investigation confirmed that,” Chief Gordon said. “I am look forward to putting this behind us and focusing on the incredible work our department does every day.”
One person died in the apartment complex blaze, 12 were hurt and dozens were displaced.