U.S. Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Peter Meijer (R-MI), and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) recently applauded the House of Representatives’ advancement legislation that seeks to bolster federal efforts to assist with major fire investigations.
The Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act (H.R. 7077) stems from the Twin Parks North West apartment building fire that resulted in the deaths of 17 New Yorkers in January 2022.
“In the four months following the horrific fire at Twin Parks North West, we continue to grieve the loss of 17 New Yorkers whose lives were taken in this tragedy and honor them with swift legislative action,” Torres said. “Fires like the one at Twin Parks North West are not isolated incidents, and it is past time for the federal government to sit ideally by. I am proud that the House of Representatives voted to push this bipartisan legislation one step closer to becoming federal law.”
The legislators said the measure permits the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to assist local firefighter investigators after a major fire and is in conjunction with a federal legislative package seeking to solve underlying issues that caused the fire while preventing future tragedies.
“The tragedy at Twin Parks North West in the Bronx was one of the worst fires our city has ever seen, claiming 17 lives and seriously injuring dozens of residents,” Acting New York Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said. “Through investigations and education, we can prevent future tragedies. Knowing that our Firefighters and Fire Marshals have the full support of the federal government, and the U.S. Fire Administration is a tremendous asset to the FDNY and the millions of New Yorkers we serve.”