New York City Council
Committee on Fire and Emergency Management
Feb 29, 2024
·
10:00 AM
3 hr
Summary
A hearing on fire safety in residential buildings, particularly in the wake of the Twin Parks North West tragedy. The hearing addressed disparities in fire incidents within marginalized communities, the rising frequency of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, and legislative efforts to improve fire safety standards. Features testimony from the the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Buildings (DOB), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Pierina Ana Sanchez, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings, opens joint hearing on fire safety in buildings
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez initiates a crucial discussion on fire safety in buildings, reflecting on the Twin Parks Northwest tragedy and highlighting disparities in fire incidents within marginalized communities. …
0:00:03
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5 min
Joann Ariola, Chair of the Committee on Fire And Emergency Management, opens joint city council meeting on fire safety in residential buildings
Council Member Joann Ariola, as Chair of the Fire And Emergency Management Committee, addresses the city council on fire safety in residential buildings, stressing its critical importance. - Highlights the …
0:05:46
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3 min
Oswald Feliz on Fire Safety and Prevention in the Wake of Recent Tragedies
Council Member Oswald Feliz discusses the urgent need for enhanced fire safety and prevention measures. - Feliz emphasizes the significant impact of fires in New York City, including the Twin …
0:09:43
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80 sec
Alexa Avilés on Legislation to Support Fire-Impacted Non-English Speaking Communities
Council Member Alexa Avilés advocates for intro 006, legislation designed to aid non-English speaking communities impacted by fires through improved access to in-language resources and information about tenant rights. - …
0:11:11
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4 min
Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President, on Enhancing Fire Safety and Strengthening Community Response in NYC
Vanessa L. Gibson discusses the urgency of improving fire safety and enhancing community and emergency response systems in New York City. - Gibson recounts a devastating residential fire in the …
0:16:19
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8 min
Salim Drammeh, President of the Gambian Youth Organization, on Legislation for Fire Safety and Tenant Rights
Salim Drammeh advocates for stricter fire safety legislation and improved tenant rights in the aftermath of a tragic fire that claimed 17 lives. - Emphasizes the need for legislative action …
0:25:50
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5 min
Member of the Public on Systemic Failures and Loss of Life Following the January 9, 2022 Fire in the Bronx
A community member details the systemic failures leading to and following the January 9, 2022 fire in the Bronx, advocating for significant policy changes. - The testimony highlights the intersectionality …
0:31:37
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5 min
Kevin Woods, Assistant Chief of Fire Operations at New York City Fire Department on the Twinpox Fire Anniversary and Related Legislation
Kevin Woods discusses the tragic impact of the Twinpox fire, the New York City Fire Department's (FDNY) response, and related city council legislation. - Woods highlights the Twinpox fire's impact, …
0:49:03
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10 min
What are the fire code requirements for smoke control system inspections?
Assistant Chief Kevin Woods explains the New York City Fire Department conducts two types of smoke control system inspections: uniformed and technical. - Uniformed inspections are carried out by firefighters …
1:00:00
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165 sec
Does the New York City Fire Department use self-certification by building owners for fire prevention?
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) utilizes self-certification by building owners for fire prevention purposes, not for uniformed fire operations. - Assistant Chief Kevin Woods confirms the use of …
1:02:46
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37 sec
What are the qualifications for inspecting smoke dampers?
The Assistant Chief of Fire Operations, Kevin Woods, explains that civilian employees from the Bureau of Fire Prevention, not firefighters, conduct smoke damper inspections, though specific qualifications are unclear. - …
1:03:26
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19 sec
Why has the NYC Fire Department reduced its number of life safety education presentations?
Kevin Woods clarifies that despite the reduction in the number of presentations, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has significantly increased its fire safety outreach, educating over 422,000 people …
1:03:46
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138 sec
Has neighborhood outreach impacted fire incident rates, and what is emphasized in fire safety education?
Assistant Chief Kevin Woods is uncertain about the effect of outreach on fire incident rates but emphasizes the importance of educating on fire safety. - Kevin Woods acknowledges the uncertainty …
1:06:05
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20 sec
What is the number of space heater fires in New York City for 2022?
The assistant chief of fire operations presents the number of space heater fires in New York City for 2022. - A total of 27 space heater fires were reported citywide …
1:06:34
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30 sec
What training is offered to EMS personnel for de-escalation and self-defense?
The New York City Fire Department offers a 12-hour training course for EMS personnel on de-escalation and self-defense through partnership with New York City Health And Hospitals. - The course …
1:07:25
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44 sec
Will the New York City Fire Department contract a third-party for de-escalation and self-defense training, or will it be developed in-house?
The New York City Fire Department is still deciding whether to contract a third-party for de-escalation and self-defense training or develop it in-house. - The department is currently evaluating its …
1:08:10
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15 sec
Would de-escalation and self-defense training increase EMS personnel safety?
The New York City Fire Department believes de-escalation and self-defense training would enhance EMS personnel's safety. - Assistant Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods affirms the department's support for de-escalation …
1:08:28
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17 sec
What information is provided to tenants after a fire, and how is language accessibility addressed?
After a fire, tenants receive materials focusing on immediate needs and emergency housing, but additional guidance on rights and belongings is sought. - Council Member Avilés notes the absence of …
1:09:59
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4 min
What inspections occur after a fire and which city agencies are involved?
Deputy Commissioner AnnMarie Santiago explains the process of inspections conducted by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) after a fire and how they coordinate with …
1:14:23
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169 sec
How do HPD and FDNY communicate with displaced residents?
HPD communicates with displaced residents through emergency housing services, while FDNY does not conduct post-fire outreach. - HPD communicates to tenants mostly through emergency housing services, especially after accepting services …
1:17:23
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56 sec
What are tenants' rights and assistance options if denied reentry after a building is deemed safe?
Tenants who are denied reentry after a building is deemed safe have recourse through seeking legal services, as it is often considered an illegal lockout. - This situation is addressed …
1:18:19
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3 min
How many self-closing door violations have been issued since the Twin Parks fire, and what are the inspection procedures?
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) issued over 30,000 self-closing door violations in fiscal year 22 and almost 50,000 in fiscal year 23, focusing on public area violations …
1:23:29
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7 min
Are devices that hold doors open in buildings legal?
The New York City Fire Department and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development state that doors, especially fire doors, must not be held open by any means. - Devices …
1:31:08
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39 sec
Are secondary exits in buildings required to have latches and be self-closing?
Secondary exits in buildings are required to have latches, be self-closing, and lead to public areas, as per NYC regulations. - Kevin Woods explains the Fire Department requires clear secondary …
1:31:51
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131 sec
What actions can HPD take against landlords altering apartments post-fire unlawfully, and how can council members assist tenants?
Deputy Commissioner Santiago outlines limited actions by HPD regarding unlawful apartment alterations post-fire, pointing towards other agencies and the importance of tenant complaints through 311. - HPD lacks direct oversight …
1:34:43
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4 min
What are the cost implications of the proposed smoke damper legislation and why are malfunctioning smoke dampers not considered a major problem?
Assistant Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods explains that while smoke dampers are useful, the proposed inspection regime by the council is an expensive proposition and not seen as the …
1:38:52
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145 sec
What caused the Harlem fire to escalate, and was a defective door involved?
Kevin Woods provides details about a tragic fire in Harlem, emphasizing the challenge of rescuing trapped residents and the crucial role of a door left open. - The fire originated …
1:41:34
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4 min
How many reinspections were conducted after the Twin Parks fire legislation, and how long does it take to fix self-closing doors?
Council Member Oswald Feliz discusses the follow-up on 50,000 self-closing door violations, focusing on the number of reinspections and the process for correcting violations. - Kevin Woods confirms 50,000 violations; …
1:46:12
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4 min
How do the FDNY and HPD collaborate to prioritize building inspections?
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) outlines a collaboration with the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to assess and prioritize building inspections using a risk-based model. - The FDNY's …
1:51:00
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154 sec
How does HPD use Ribis for inspections and do they have direct access to it?
Deputy Commissioner AnnMarie Santiago explains that the HPD does not directly access Ribis for inspections, but utilizes it through coordination with the fire department. - HPD identifies buildings for proactive …
1:54:10
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39 sec
How useful is the Ribis model's information for HPD's building selection for programs?
Deputy Commissioner AnnMarie Santiago suggests assessing the efficacy of the Ribis model's information and outputs after the first year's program to determine their usefulness in building selection. - Santiago mentions …
1:54:50
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29 sec
Why are unit assignments declining in the Bronx despite increased fire events, and how does FDNY make these decisions?
The FDNY has not cut any fire units in the Bronx or citywide for many years, maintaining consistent resources despite increased fire activity. - Assistant Chief Kevin Woods clarifies there …
1:55:35
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83 sec
Why have life safety education presentations decreased according to the preliminary Mayor's Management Report?
Despite the decrease in the number of life safety education presentations, the audience reach has increased. - Presentations reduced from 1449 in the first 4 months of FY 2023 to …
1:57:01
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45 sec
What progress has been made on the outreach for electric space heater safety as required by Local Law 65 of 2022?
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) provide educational outreach on electric space heater safety as mandated by Local Law 65 of …
1:57:48
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109 sec
How can proposed updates to the electrical code address building electric capacity challenges?
The Department of Buildings describes the proposed updates to the electrical code as a significant overhaul that can benefit the city by modernizing building electrical components and incorporating new technology. …
1:59:38
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99 sec
How does the Department of Buildings follow-up on unsafe buildings to ensure repairs are made?
The Department of Buildings requires property owners to conduct necessary repairs for vacate orders to be lifted, after which they conduct a follow-up inspection. - The onus is on the …
2:01:31
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69 sec
How are tenants informed about the lifting of vacate orders, and how often is this information updated online?
Tenants are directly contacted about the lifting of vacate orders when involved with emergency housing services, and HPD online updates daily. - Individuals in emergency housing or registered for emergency …
2:02:41
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92 sec
How is information updated on HPD online and what leads to discrepancies?
The processes for updating HPD online information and addressing discrepancies involve property owners needing to request reinspections after repairs. - Property owners are responsible for contacting HPD to request reinspections …
2:04:20
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95 sec
What are the details of HPD's contract with the American Red Cross, especially regarding tenant communications?
AnnMarie Santiago, Deputy Commissioner of HPD, informs Council Member Sanchez that she does not manage the area overseeing the contract with the American Red Cross but promises to follow up …
2:05:55
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42 sec
Pierina Ana Sanchez on Tenant Displacement and Agency Coordination Issues
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez highlights concerns and issues related to tenant displacement and the lack of coordination among NYC agencies. - Acknowledges New York City as a leader in …
2:07:01
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97 sec
Who is responsible for building security in New York City?
Property owners are primarily responsible for securing buildings, while the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) may intervene by sealing individual apartments if necessary. - Property …
2:08:39
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90 sec
Oren Barzilay, President of EMS Local 2507, on FDNY EMT and Paramedic Safety and Resource Challenges
Oren Barzilay, President of EMS Local 2507, highlights the significant safety and resource challenges faced by FDNY EMTs, paramedics, and fire inspectors, including record-setting emergency response calls and escalating assaults. …
2:11:39
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6 min
Christopher Ruch, Director of Education at the National Energy Management Institute, on Standards for Healthy Buildings and the Efficacy of Fire Life Safety Systems
Christopher Ruch provides testimony on the importance of standards for healthy buildings and the efficacy of fire life safety systems, based on extensive field experience. - Ruch shares observations from …
2:18:08
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124 sec
Alfred Webb on the Importance of Fire Smoke Dampers in Building Safety
Alfred Webb discusses the function and significance of fire smoke dampers in maintaining building safety. - Webb is a local manufacturer involved with a group called SmackDown, producing fire smoke …
2:20:16
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128 sec
Melissa Barbour, Member of the Public from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) Long Island, on Supporting Introduction 88 for Improved Fire Safety Outcomes
Melissa Barbour, representing the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) Long Island, shows strong support for Introduction 88, aiming to enhance fire safety measures in New York …
2:22:35
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50 sec
Daniel Avery on Electric Vehicle Charging Legislation
Daniel Avery, Director of Policy at the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), highlights challenges and offers support for electric vehicle charging legislation. - Avery expresses REBNY's support for …
2:23:28
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128 sec
Do the University of Maryland and experts have New York City-specific statistics on smoke dampers?
Christopher Ruch acknowledges the lack of New York City-specific statistics regarding smoke dampers, citing a comprehensive study by the University of Maryland as the most informative available. - Ruch highlights …
2:25:46
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48 sec
What are the potential costs for buildings to comply with the NYC fire code?
Christopher Ruch explains that buildings compliant with the NYC fire code should see no additional costs, with significant costs only for those neglecting their obligations. - Building owners, both public …
2:26:34
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114 sec
Anthony Gray on Qualifications for Inspecting and Maintaining Fire and Smoke Dampers
Anthony Gray advocates for the implementation of Intro 88, emphasizing the need for qualified personnel to conduct inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire and smoke dampers. - Intro 88 addresses …
2:30:06
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143 sec
John Jackson, Director of Training at Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers Union, on Enhancing Fire Safety Through HVAC Systems
John Jackson, Director of Training at Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers Union, advocates for recognizing the critical role of HVAC systems in fire prevention and safety. - Jackson emphasizes the …
2:32:33
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132 sec
Jimmy Callahan on Urgent Fire Safety Reforms and Local 28's Role
Jimmy Callahan, a member of the Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers, emphasizes the critical need for fire safety reforms and underscores the vital role of Local 28. - Testifies about …
2:34:49
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143 sec
Marvin Tavarez, Business Representative, Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers on the Importance of Passing Intro 88 for Enhanced Fire Safety Measures
Marvin Tavarez advocates for the passage of Intro 88, highlighting its role in preventing fire-related tragedies through the implementation of critical fire safety systems. - Tavarez represents Local 28 Sheet …
2:37:14
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96 sec
Sabrina DeRiano on the Importance of Fire Smoke Dampers for Building Safety in the Bronx
Sabrina DeRiano emphasizes the necessity of fire smoke dampers for building safety in the Bronx. - DeRiano, a member of Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers and a Bronx resident, highlights …
2:39:17
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55 sec
Brian Smith, Fourth Year Apprentice at Local 28 Sheet Metal Union, on Support for Intro 88 Bill for Fire Life Safety
Brian Smith, a member of Local 28 Sheet Metal Union, expresses support for the Intro 88 bill which aims to enhance fire life safety measures in buildings. - Smith highlights …
2:40:20
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57 sec
Kasimir Caesar, Member of Local 28 Sheet Metal Union, on the Importance of Fire and Life Safety Measures in New York City
Kasimir Caesar discusses the importance of fire and life safety measures, underscoring the role of Local 28 Sheet Metal Union in New York City's fire safety. - Caesar from Queens, …
2:41:23
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96 sec
Phil Montore on Supporting Intro 88 for the Maintenance of Stairwell Pressurization and Smoke Purge Systems
Phil Montore testifies in support of Intro 88, highlighting the importance of maintaining stairwell pressurization and smoke purge systems for fire life safety. - Stairwell pressurization and smoke purge systems …
2:43:03
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163 sec
Jeff Parks from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) on Intro 88 and Fire Life Safety Dampers
Jeff Parks discusses the critical issue of maintaining and installing fire life safety dampers properly to prevent future tragedies. - Parks represents the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National …
2:46:20
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134 sec
Adam Roberts, Policy Director, Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) on Fire Risks and E-bike Battery Safety in Residential Buildings
Adam Roberts discusses the persistent fire risks in residential buildings due to e-bikes and their batteries, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive safety measures. - Highlights the ongoing threat of …
2:48:46
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149 sec
Christopher Leon Johnson on the Advocacy for Better Protection and Pay for Security Guards at Construction Sites
Christopher Leon Johnson criticizes the lack of representation and advocacy for security guards at construction sites, emphasizing their need for better protection and appropriate compensation. - Johnson highlights the absence …
2:52:46
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4 min
Raúl Rivera, Founder of NYC Drivers Unite, on Safety Concerns and Labor Issues in Security and Fire Safety Departments
Raúl Rivera discusses safety and labor concerns, focusing on security officers' conditions at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and broader issues affecting these workers. - Rivera highlights a past …
2:57:07
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147 sec