A weekend house fire that killed two men in Des Plaines was “a tragedy” but not one caused by any known breach of city code, Des Plaines Acting Mayor Tony Arredia told aldermen Monday night.
Kevin Dwyer, 31, and Pete Lennard, 32, residents of the second story of a two-flat in the 1600 block of Van Buren Avenue, died of smoke inhalation from the fire early Sunday.
Arredia said the damaged building was inspected in April 1999 and found to be within the law as a licensed two-flat.
“I think the TV coverage indicated the city did not take corrective action (on a purported code violation) and this is not the case,” Arredia said.
“The cause was not due to code violations,” added Ald. Tom Christiansen. Christiansen also noted housing courts frequently dismiss code violations even when the city does take action.
Preliminary investigations indicate the fire began near a guitar amplifier which had been left on near a pile of clothing, Arredia said. Des Plaines firefighters and the state fire marshal’s office are still investigating.
Smoke detectors in that area were not operating, Arredia said, citing fire officials.
Arredia also disputed claims the house was the source of frequent police calls. Since June 1998 there have been four calls, none for serious crimes.
Christiansen said officials still hope to discuss enforcement of the number of residents per dwelling.