James Street fire not first time lack of landlord action claims lives

By By TOM COYNE

Story Created: Sep 20, 2009 at 2:19 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 22, 2009 at 2:50 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Sunday's fire on James Streets is not the first time that a landlord's action or lack of action has led to a catastrophic consequence after making violations against the fire marshall.

In March of 1956, fire marshalls recommended that the apartment building at 305 Park Avenue be declared unfit for occupancy. No action was taken and it continued to be a place of residence.

On October 6, 1956, a massive fire broke out in that building and claimed the lives of seven children.

That single incident remains the second highest loss of life in a fire in the city's history.
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