Fire marshal: Codes didn't require sprinklers in Coram apartment building that caught fire, displaced 21 people
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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An apartment building in Coram that caught fire over the weekend did not have an automatic sprinkler system installed because of the fire and building codes in effect at that time of original construction, the Brookhaven Fire Marshal's office said in its initial investigative report.
The fast-moving and massive fire displaced 21 people on Sunday night.
In addition to the lack of sprinklers, investigators said the alarm system that was in place only alerted people locally. That meant when it activated, central monitoring was not notified and it was up to an occupant or neighbor to call 911.
The fire started at 4001 Townhouse Dr. on Sunday, Jan. 4, around 9:45 p.m., officials said. Video from the scene shows the building engulfed in flames as firefighters worked to contain it as it spread to cars.
"I said call 911 and I got my grandson and my son and we went over there and I saw the other people not coming out of the houses, so we went and knocked on the doors to get them out of the apartments," neighbor Louis Pagano said.
Half of the eight units were damaged, according to investigators, who added that it was so widespread that essential building services like water and electricity were cut.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation today, but officials with the Brookhaven town fire marshal's office believe it started in a garage and does not appear suspicious.
News 12 has made multiple attempts to get a comment from Fairfield Properties, but has not heard back.
