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The Fire Department reportedly approved the use of blowtorches at the building, just weeks before last year's deadly fire, according to the New York Post, which cites a document not included in the report on the fire, that was released Thursday.
The paper said a Fire Department inspection report allowed the subcontractor tearing down the building to use flammable oxygen and acetylene torches, and keep them on site.
The Department's 176-page report on the fire pointed out numerous problems at the tower after the flames broke out last August. It says more than 30 distress calls were missed, and points out the building had a broken standpipe, blocked stairwells and poorly marked exit signs.
Firefighters Robert Beddia and Joseph Graffagnino were killed.
The report says they waited nearly an hour for water and had problems getting enough oxygen inside the building.
The report calls for more communication between the Buildings Department and the Fire Department at demolition sites. It says firefighters should be better trained on how to use their air tanks and radios.
The report was handed over to the Manhattan District Attorney's office which is investigating the fire.
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