Bridgeport to Pay Fines for Violations Connected to Fatal Fire

The Bridgeport Fire Department was cited for five serious safety violations in connection with a fire last summer that killed two firefighters, the Connecticut Post reports, and the department will pay fines for four of those violations.

The fire, which happened on July 24, resulted in the deaths of Lt. Steven Velasquez and firefighter Michael Baik.

Documents posted on the Post’s Web site state that state officials determined the department did not perform tests on firefighters' breathing gas tanks, failed to conduct medical evaluations and ensure firefighters were fit, did not make sure all firefighters wore breathing equipment inside the burning building and failed to follow "mayday" procedures.

Each citation carries a $1,000 penalty. The fire department has 15 days to contest them.  

NBC Connecticut left a message with the mayor's office to determine which fine the city will not pay. 

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