New details from fire officials paint the dangerous, and ultimately deadly, scenario at Marco Polo as changes are considered that could prevent a future disaster.
Assistant chief Socrates Bratakos says the five-alarm fire that broke out on Friday, July 14, on the building’s 26th floor posed a major challenge for firefighters.
The fire broke out in unit 2602, ripped through three layers of drywall, entered the main hallway, and seared through units across the hall.
“Burned right through, incinerated the apartments on other side,” Bratakos said. “The carpet and the wallpaper in the hallway itself were flammable materials.”