Fatal Neglect Criticized
Fire deaths of the elderly through neglect is rapidly becoming a tragic trend, according to Gordon Vickery, U.S. Fire Administrator.
The latest incident occurred November 10 in the small Ohio community of Pioneer, where 14 women perished in a boarding house fire, started by a child playing with matches.
“While no single sector shares all the blame, everyone concerned must share a portion of the fault. This would include the property owner, those directed at enforcing the life safety codes (fire service), building officials, legislators and the community itself,” Vickery said, adding that a new occupancy classification must be established immediately.
