WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — The main sprinkler valve had been turned off before a 2017 five-alarm fire at a Pennsylvania senior nursing and rehabilitation center that left four residents dead and injured two dozen people, federal investigators said Thursday.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions released the final investigative report into the cause of the huge blaze at Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Philadelphia.
The fire likely started near a patio under an overhang at the multi-building facility, investigators said, but they could not determine the exact origin or cause of the fire because of the extensive damage. It couldn't be determined when the valve was turned off or by whom, ATF officials said, but they did not believe the fire was set intentionally.
Investigators also found the main valve to the internal sprinklers had been switched off in the building where the fire started. The report did not speculate whether the lack of internal sprinklers played a role in how long it took to put out the fire. The heat was so intense that one of the more than 400 firefighters battling the blaze discovered his helmet was melting.
The Barclay facility's executive director posted a letter to residents on its website Thursday.
"We are deeply distressed to have it affirmed, according to the ATF's investigation, that the main valve to the Woolman Building's sprinkler-system was believed to be closed," wrote Linda M. Sterthous. "This information confirms our worst fears, and we have taken steps to make sure this can never have again."
The flames were fanned by wind that pushed the Nov. 16, 2017, fire up vinyl siding and onto rooftops, the report said. The report noted the facility did not have external sprinklers, which would have helped, but said they are not required under building codes.
Almost 150 residents were removed in wheelchairs or rolled out on their beds into near-freezing temperatures. Dozens of neighbors also helped, wrapping residents in blankets and ferrying them to ambulances on makeshift gurneys.
Four elderly residents were unaccounted for after the evacuation and were later found dead inside the buildings. The county coroner later said the four died from smoke inhalation.
The victims' families were given access to the report's findings in advance, ATF officials said.
