Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
FDNY Release Deutsche Bank Building Fire Report
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 21, 2008
Modified Aug 21, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 21, 2008
Modified Aug 21, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Photographs of Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and the FDNY report by Bebeto Matthews
The Fire Department released its report into the fatal seven-alarm fire at the former Deutsche Bank building yesterday, and there doesn't seem to be one focus for the blame. Instead, there are many: Per the Daily News, it "blames the FDNY for not conducting mandatory inspections; the Buildings Department for not issuing a formal permit for demolition and the building's contractor for shoddy work that turned the condemned skyscraper into a death trap."
The fire claimed the lives of two firefighters, Joseph Garffagnino and Robert Beddia. Other issues highlighted by the report include the firefighters' decision to improvise, like using their oxygen tanks for too long, removing their face pieces, ignoring warnings. The FDNY was quick to say, “This is not about blaming anyone. This report is an operational critique for firefighters and fire officers, written by specially trained safety officers with the goal of obtaining what we call ‘lessons learned,’ to learn the lessons of this fire; to not have a repeat of this tragedy; to find the truth. That is the purpose of this report."
Other findings: It took construction workers 13 minutes to report the fire (apparently started by a cigarette, even though smoking was not allowed in the under-deconstruction building) and a number of "Mayday" and "Urgent" calls were issued, but many weren't heard. The Manhattan DA's office is continuing its criminal investigation.
Tagged
deutsche bank fire
fatal fire
fdny
firefighter fatality
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures two, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .