New law creates public database and automatic alerts aimed at preventing fires like the 2014 Back Bay tragedy

The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed a bill to protect firefighters and tradespeople from conditions that took the lives of Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy in 2014.

The legislation creates a system to discourage unauthorized and untrained welding and other ‘hot work,’ which caused the Back Bay fire in 2014. S.1646, An Act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes, helps prevent such fires by keeping tabs on violations of state law. Following recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission, convened following the tragedy, the bill requires consistent tracking and notification of hot work code violations.

The bill would require the state Department of Fire Services to track code violations related to hot work—welding, plasma cutting, and spark-producing construction—and make the information publicly available through an online database. A new automated notification system would also alert affected property owners and insurance companies in order to help prevent tragedies.

“I am grateful to the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Boston Firefighters Local 718, whose advocacy never wavered throughout this process,” said Senator Nick Collins. “In the wake of an unimaginable loss, they remained committed to ensuring that future firefighters, tradespeople, and workers would be better protected. This legislation is the result of that commitment, as well as the collaborative work of my colleagues in the Senate and House. While it was born from tragedy, it leaves behind a lasting legacy, one that will help save lives and make workplaces safer for years to come.”

“This legislation is another important tool in protecting the safety of residents, firefighters and trades workers across the Commonwealth,” said Representative David Biele. “Collecting statewide data regarding fire code violations and non- compliance with fire prevention laws and hot works requirements in a publicly available database combined with an automated notification system for relevant property owners will increase public safety. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Cahill, and Chair Ryan for their leadership on this public safety matter and thanks to the PFFM and Local 718 for their efforts and advocacy on this legislation.”

Both branches of the Legislature enacted the bill and sent it to Governor Healey for her signature.