READ THE REPORTS: Boston FD Partly at Fault in Firefighter Deaths

The fire at a 4-story brownstone killed Lieutenant Edward Walsh and firefighter Michael Kennedy nearly two years ago

Marty Walsh says the city is looking into what can be done to address problems laid out in a report that suggested Boston Fire was partly to blame after two firefighters were killed in 2014.

For the mother of Boston Firefighter Michael Kennedy, one of two firefighters killed in the 9-alarm Beacon Street fire two years ago this month, no report or findings will ever bring her son back.

"Do I think my son's death was preventable? Yes, I absolutely do," said Kennedy's mother, Kathy Crosby Bell.

A federal report says training and inadequate staffing contributed to the deaths of two Boston firefighters in a massive 9-alarm fire in Boston’s Back Bay in 2014.

Crosby Bell says while some improvements outlined in two reports on the fire released Thursday have been made, not enough is being done to protect the men and women of the Boston Fire Department.

"It's clear throughout these reports that had they had correct staffing, had they had a hose that didn't burn, this wouldn't have happened," she said.

"It was the perfect storm for a tragedy, and a tragedy unfolded in front of us," said Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn.

"We have to look and see what can be done immediately and what can be done over time," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. "We're trying to get the fire departments, all departments, on a pace where we're constantly renewing the trucks and equipment."

Both the internal and external reports cite inadequate staffing and training as issues that needed to be addressed following the fire - something current Commissioner Finn says he has already implemented.

"Because this city was built to burn, we recognize the need to get resources on the fire ground as quickly as possible," said Finn.

Kennedy and Lt. Edward Walsh were killed battling the fire. Union President Richard Paris stressed that while learning from fires like this one can help save lives in the future, it should not diminish the decisions made that day by the scene commander.

"He saved firefighters' lives that day," Paris said. "Another minute and 14 seconds left, the union would have been going to probably another 30 houses and telling their loved ones that they weren't coming home."

Crosby Bell says now the city and the mayor need to focus on improving funding to the department so they can afford to continue to improve training, staffing levels and equipment.

"It's way past time to act, we must get some directed funding for the fire service," said Crosby Bell, "Firefighters are heroes, but they are not superheroes."

The widow of Lt. Edward Walsh also issued a statement after learning of the report.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh released a statement saying, in part, "This report and these recommendations will guide Commissioner Finn and I, as we work to build on our commitment to the safety and wellness of our firefighters." 

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Damage to the kitchen in the basement apartment.
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Lieutenant Edward Walsh and firefighter Michael Kennedy were killed in the blaze.
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A view of the fire at 298 Beacon Street.
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Damage to the front of the basement apartment.
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Damage to the front doorway of the basement apartment.
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Damage to the basement apartment hallway.
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Damage to the basement apartment hallway stairway.
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Damage to the furnishing of the basement apartment.
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Damage to the basement stairway.
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Damage to the bottom of the basement stairway.
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Damage to the bottom of the stairway.
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Burned joists and wiring above the basement hallway ceiling.
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Damage to the ceiling framework near the bottom of the stairway.
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Charred unprotected rafters near the shed entrance.
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Damage to the first floor hallway.
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Damage to the foot of the basement stairs.
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More damage to the basement stairway.
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Damage to the shed entrance.
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Damage to the kitchen in the basement apartment.
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Open joist bays.
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Damage to the second floor.
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Damage to the storage cabinet at the top of the basement stairway.
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Damage to the top of the basement stairway.
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More damage tot he basement stairway.
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Damage to the shed.
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Damage to the front basement apartment from the outside.
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Damage to the entrance to the 4-story brownstone.
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Damage to the apartment window.
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More damage to the shed entrance.
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Shed entrance and rear basement apartment window damage.
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Firefighter Kennedy's bunker coat.
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Firefighter Kennedy's bunker pants.
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Firefighter Kennedy's protective hood.
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Firefighter Kennedy's boots.
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Firefighter Kennedy's gloves.
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Firefighter Kennedy's helmet.
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Firefighter Kennedy's portable radio.
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Firefighter Kennedy's radio attachment.
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Firefighter Kennedy's breathing apparatus.
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Firefighter Kennedy's remote speaker microphone.
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Firefighter Kennedy's stand alone pass and flashlight.
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Firefighter Kennedy's bunker coat.
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Firefighter Kennedy's bunker coat.
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Firefighter Kennedy's bunker pants.
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Firefighter Kennedy's bunker pants.
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Lieutenant Walsh's station pants.
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Lieutenant Walsh's station pants.
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Lieutenant Walsh's boots.
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Lieutenant Walsh's gloves.
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Lieutenant Walsh's helmet.
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Lieutenant Walsh's flashlight.
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Lieutenant Walsh's portable radio.
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Lieutenant Walsh's remote speaker microphone.
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Lieutenant Walsh's breathing apparatus.
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Lieutenant Walsh's stand alone pass.
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One of the burnt hoses.
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Another hose.
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