32C-224 (57)O�'CN/'►N1P�O
Grtit r of Nort4antpton
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
INSPECTQBruary 27, 2006 212 Main Street • Municipal Building
North,unpton, MA 01060
Mr. Charles Wang
79 Hawley Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Subject: Fire damaged Electrical Wiring at 79 Hawley Street
Dear Mr. Wang,
I was called the scene of a fire located at 79 Hawley Street on Feb 2, 2006. The cause of
the fire was determined to be electrical, specifically the "knob and tube" wiring to a
ceiling light shorted and energized the tin ceiling which the cause and arcing next a
steam pipe in contact with tin ceiling and the wall which then ignited wood framing in
wall causing the fire. Upon further investigation it was determined that the entire house
was served by this "knob and tube" wiring.
The house has been tagged as per 780CMR section 121 as unsafe, before the house can
be reoccupied it must be made safe. The knob and tube wiring should be replaced as the
potential for another fire exists, the existing wiring may have also been compromised by
the heat generated by fire and by the 30amp fuses that were installed in panel instead of
the rated 15amp the panel called for.
Sincerely,
Anthony Patillo
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton