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A state agency said Wednesday that Con Ed and the Fire Department need to communicate with each other while investigating gas leaks.
The report from the state Public Service Commission stems from a deadly November 2007 explosion in Sunnyside, Queens.
Firefighters had responded to calls reporting the smell of gas on 41st Street, but left once Con Edison crews arrived a short time later and told firefighters they had the situation under control.
Moments after the fire department left the scene, a two family-house exploded, killing 69-year-old Kunta Oza.
The PSC said Con Ed had followed proper procedure but recommended better communication between the two agencies.
For one local lawmaker, the recommendation is not enough.
"A woman lost her life, a family lost their mother, a house blew up," said Democratic Queens Councilman Eric Gioia. "And all the PSC can say is that regulations were followed but communication has to improve. I mean, c'mon. I mean, they've got to do better than that. What happened here should never happen to anybody ever again."
In a statement, Con Ed officials said they will continue to ask FDNY for help on scene in these situations, "as long as needed to protect the safety of our customers, employees and other responders, as well as property."
The FDNY says it will equip every firehouse with combustible gas detectors by July.
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