Failure to Make Upgrades Cited in Eastern Market Fire

In a September 2003 report to the city, the committee noted the "need to upgrade the electric service because of code violations and fire hazards." The committee also called for repairs to leaking sewers, leaking skylights and overflowing gutters and downspouts. The committee was echoing the findings of an architectural firm hired by the city, Edwards said.

The next year, the advisory committee was urging the city to include sprinklers as part of any interior renovation.

The 12-member committee includes a member appointed by the mayor and one by the D.C. Council, with the rest chosen by a variety of community groups, according to Donna Scheeder, who chairs the group. The committee advises the city on the market's restoration and market operations, she said.

"We wish they had managed their way on this quicker," Tangherlini said, referring to city officials, community groups and market vendors. But instead of looking "to find who the bad guy was in the Eastern Market fire," he said, all parties need to focus on how to restore the market.

As a result of the fire, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) said the market would reopen in 18 months to two years. He said the electrical and sprinkler systems are still part of the renovation plans.

"We want to restore this building 100 percent to its architectural and historic splendor," Fenty said.

He said he is trying to identify city and federal funding and will also use money raised by the neighborhood group Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

Fenty said he is taking several steps to help the 13 vendors who lost their livelihoods in the market fire. The city is looking for a temporary location for them, probably close to the market, while the space is being renovated. "These vendors have served the community so well," Fenty said. "We want to help them make payroll."

Also, the city will suspend the vendors' rent payments and will forgive the quarterly sales tax payment due May 15.

"We don't want you to go anywhere," D.C. Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) told the vendors at a meeting. "We want you to be the ones to cut the ribbon to go back into the market."

The mayor's announcement came as Fenty and Rubin, who was confirmed as chief yesterday by the D.C. Council, released additional details about the fires at the market and the Georgetown library.

"We are so touched and upset and hopeful after yesterday's events," Fenty said. "I want to recognize the fire department for putting their lives on the line twice yesterday."