Fire investigation officially closed

The fire that killed junior Wendy Carman almost two weeks ago was likely caused by a cigarette, investigators said this week.

Medford Fire officials said that the official cause of the fire will remain undetermined, but investigators concluded that the fire was accidental and "most likely caused by the improper use of smoking materials."

The fire that killed Carman, a 20-year-old Spanish major from Tacoma, WA, began at 4:24 a.m. in the loft above the garage at 20 Harris Rd., according to investigators. By the time the fire department arrived on the scene, the garage and loft, with Carman asleep inside, were completely engulfed in flames.

The Boston Globe reported this week that Carman's death prompted state Senator Cheryl Jacques to pursue legislation that would require cigarette makers to sell self-extinguishing cigarettes in Massachusetts.

According to Medford Building Commissioner Paul Mochi, the loft may have been illegal because it did not meet fire safety or building regulations. Although the fire inquiry has concluded, the Building Department will continue to investigate possible code violations.

"There shouldn't have been anyone occupying that space," Mochi told The Boston Globe last week, and there was no record of a permit for the structure. According to Mochi, the garage would have needed fireproofing gypsum board on the walls and ceiling and at least two exits to be habitable.

The house where Carman and her housemates lived is owned by Frederick Shaffer of Reading.

The tragedy has raised concerns about the quality and safety of off-campus student housing. "The off-campus housing situation is tough," Mochi said. "The only time we can go in is when [residents] call." Neighborhood inspections are impossible, although the building commissioner said that the city is trying to increase investigations.

"We just have to do as many inspections as we can," Mochi said. "Fortunately there are a lot of good watchdogs in many neighborhoods that will call us."

Although after the tragedy, Tufts officials said they did not plan to change the way the University deals with off-campus housing issues, Medford officials have met with members of the Tufts administration to coordinate an ordinance dealing with student housing problems. Another meeting is scheduled for next week.

Safety issues often arise in student neighborhoods surrounding college campuses because many students are not aware of their rights as tenants and are unsure what their landlords' responsibilities are.

Tufts students who live off-campus in Medford and Somerville have complained of poor heating, ventilation, water leaks, broken locks and rodents. Some landlords have been known to take advantage of students because of their short tenure in the houses and their lack of wherewithal about housing issues.

In his report, Medford Fire Chief Frank Giliberti, Jr implored students to "take responsibility for their own fire safety" by checking that their smoke alarms worked and that there are clear exits.