EVERETT — The city of Everett is investigating a claim that longtime Fire Chief Murray Gordon showed up to a fatal three-alarm blaze on New Years Eve impaired and smelling of alcohol — allegations the chief denies.
The city’s Human Resources department has hired an outside lawyer to gather facts about the allegation, which was made by a member of the fire department.
“I was not impaired the night of the Bluffs fire and I am confident that the investigation will confirm that,” Gordon said Monday. “I understand that the City must take these allegations seriously, and I will fully cooperate with the investigation and any actions that the City takes as a result.”
The complaint was received Jan. 5.
Gordon has not been placed on leave during the outside investigation, city spokeswoman Meghan Pembroke said.
City officials on Monday confirmed the investigation. Gordon reportedly drove his city vehicle to the fire scene.
A 65-year-old man died of smoke inhalation and more than a dozen others were hurt. In all, 150 people lost their homes during the fire at the Bluffs apartments Dec. 31 along Casino Road.
The fire was reported at 7:09 that night. More than 90 firefighters and emergency medical workers from Everett and beyond battled the blaze and helped the injured. The victims, ages 5 to 60, were treated for smoke inhalation, burns and injuries from being dropped out of upper story windows.
The city said Gordon worked at the fire in a support role.
“As is typical for large fires, Chief Gordon’s role at the New Year’s Eve fire at the Bluffs apartment complex was to help pull in additional resources and allow the battalion chiefs to focus on operations,” Pembroke said.
Gordon reportedly requested assistance from the American Red Cross in setting up the emergency shelter for people who lost their homes. He also asked Everett Transit to provide two buses for temporary shelter for displaced residents and first responders and asked public works staff for assistance in increasing water pressure at the scene and providing sand to combat the icy conditions.
Gordon also reportedly worked with the police department to secure the scene and keep onlookers away from the danger.
“Chief Gordon assumed command of the incident at approximately 9 p.m. to allow the battalion chiefs to focus on operations and the work of suppressing the fire,” Pembroke said. “By 9:30 p.m. the fire was more under control and the battalion chief again assumed command of the overall incident.”
At that point, Gordon reportedly volunteered to buy food for the firefighters and people who lost their homes, “which he frequently does at fires,” Pembroke said.
Gordon said he is looking forward to resolving the complaint.
Gordon has been with the Everett Fire Department since 1977. During that time, he has been a firefighter, paramedic, captain, deputy chief of emergency medical services and assistant chief. He was appointed fire chief in 2001.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.
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