Fire Probe in Pennsylvania Faults Command, Training

An independent investigation of a Pennsylvania house fire cites a lack of training, poor communication and inadequate supervision in the Lancaster Fire Department’s response to fire that killed two people and injured three firefighters.

The blaze on Feb. 18 killed 38-year-old Pauline Stone and 6-year-old Leilani Roman. Lancaster fire Lt. Andre Kelley is still recovering from burns.

Two retired Philadelphia deputy fire chiefs interviewed witnesses and reviewed audio transcripts and video. Their report released Monday cited 22 issues that created problems at the blaze, ranging from firefighters’ inability to quickly find the house to how they deployed their hoses and equipment.

Both the city and a firefighters union official said they want to avoid finger-pointing and hope the report will help firefighters do their job better, and learn from the fatal fire.