The FDNY confirmed yesterday that LIPA was still delivering electricity to the Rockaway Peninsula when a fire destroyed more than 130 homes in Breezy Point during Hurricane Sandy.
The FDNY statement provides ammo to 17 Breezy Point families who plan to file a negligence suit against LIPA for leaving the electricity on — instead of shutting it off as a safety precaution — which allegedly ignited the blaze when Sandy’s surge-fueled waves hit shore.
“The power was on,” said Fire Department spokesman James Long.
Specifically, city fire marshals concluded that the hellish six-alarm blaze in Breezy Point started “when rising seawater came in contact with the electrical system of a home at 173 Ocean Avenue.”
An investigative panel created by Gov. Cuomo strongly suggested it will look into LIPA’s role in the inferno.
“Our investigation of LIPA will be comprehensive,” said David Neustadt, a spokesman for the state Moreland Commission.
Meanwhile, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office has subpoenaed LIPA’s records relating to the utility’s preparation and response to the storm.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who represents Breezy Point and other areas of the Rockaways devastated by Sandy and other areas in the Rockaways, demanded a state probe of the inferno.
“The state should investigate what procedures LIPA had in place to cut power and prevent electrical fires. It goes to the utility’s public- safety and public-service mission,” Addabbo said.
LIPA declined to comment.
FDNY adds fuel to Breezy Point fire suit vs. LIPA
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FDNY adds fuel to Breezy Point fire suit vs. LIPA
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FDNY adds fuel to Breezy Point fire suit vs. LIPA
