The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-12-30
Marshal Lahey Files Report On
 AIS Tire Shop
Blaze Largest City Has Experienced in Two Years Official Also Criticises Parking of Cars on State Street, Narrow ThOrOughfare

 burned, aided greatly by the oil soaked woodwork, and gasoline in the automobile tanks, which popped into tho flame every time the fire reached a car. It was of course impossible to save any of the cars, but fortunately the able work of the department mem bers saved serious damage to the within the then fire zone. The fire again demonstrated the danger of the street parking of the State street was lined with automobiles. both sides and when the fire was observed, sev- eral men, anticipating their hind rance to the department, pushed them out of the way, those that were not locked. and therefore easy to move. The closeness of the Col onnade hotel on the west side of State street, the Kilmartin block on the same street, south, and the frame building on West Main street just east of the garage made them all in danger at the start, and carly part of the fire. But when the blaze was brought under control, 1t was found that the total damage to all three places would not ex- ceed much over $2,500.00.
 The investigation conducted by us showed that the fire had or iginatcd directly over the boiler, travelled northerly as far as 12x 12" joist, and then switched east erly by means of the draft from the open stairway, reaching the oil soaked chute, and sending forth a flame which quickly encircled the entire northeast corner of tho structure. From that point on the fire found much to feed on in it's entry to all parts of the building.
 Planking, 2x18", used as un- for the floor above, was completely burned away from the point directly over the boiler, a section of about 3x4 feet, expos ing the cement flooring. The burned wood fell upon the pipe covering and top section of boiler. The smoke pipe of the boiler was located about three feet below the overhead flooring, running from the boiler to the chimney on the east side of the building. An ex- animation of the boiler disclosed that at some time the unit had be- come overloaded, in that the paint and metal covering showed such defects. The water guage glass was found broken; the pressure guage showed 5 1-2 pounds. This guage glass was also broken, crack ed. The pressure control connect ed with the oil burner showed setting of 4 1-2 pounds. These together with stack switch, were wired in BX cable. The covers of these controls had been removed.
 A close examination of the fire box disclosed ring of carbon, en- circlIng the entire interior, and ranging in thickness from one to two inches.
 The condition of the controls. as we found them, proved to us that an exceptionally hot fire had been maintained in the boiler during the day and night. This, along with the oil soaked condition of the overhead woodwork, brought about q situation. which soon de- veIoped into an open flame, even though 1t must have smouldered for some time before being no- ticed, and furthermore, unknown to the several who had visited the cellar within the hour previous to the fire.
 But their business took them to the battery room north of the fur mace. In this part were 35 or 40 undergoing the process of re-charging. which no doubt sent forth gas In aiding the flames to make such headway. Further proof that the fire origin ated directly over the furnace was the condition of the batteries found on the shelves almost opposite the burner itself. These batteries on the upper shelves were simply scorched, while papers in the low CT shelves were only smoked. If the oil burner were in any way to blame, these shelves and their contents would have borne evil dence of the cause, as would also burner.
 Therefore. I, the fire marshal of Waterbury, after a full and proper inquiry, hereby find that the fire in the so-called AIS Tire Service and Garage, 223 West Main street, early of the evening of December II. 1882, was caused by an over heated furnace. Tn this opinion and decision, my associate, Captain William Russell, concurs.
 We estimate the value of all of the buildings involved in this fire, including of course. those actually damaged, to be, $125,000.
 That while actual settlements are still at sea. in some instances the entire or total damage as result of the fire in question will not exceed the sum of $70.000.
 In compliance with the law gov crning such cases. I shall file a copy of this finding on this day with the commissioner of state po- lice.
 Signed:
 LAHEY.
 The Fire Marshal
 Dated at Waterbury this 30th L