Berdichever Shul Condemned After Fire

Monsey: The Berditchiver Shul in Monsey has been condemned for numerous building-code violations after the roof fire on Tuesday morning (as reported earlier on YIDVID) brought the problems to the attenntion of the authorities at the building on 21 Rita Avenue. "I would say that the inspector from Kaser and the inspectors from the Health Department will have alot to write down. There were alot of violations," county Fire Coordinator Gordon Wren Jr. said. The violations included no smoke detectors, no sprinkler system, loose wiring, hanging lights, and mold, Monsey Fire Chief Doug Perry said. There also were metal bars over the windows in dormitory rooms on the second floor, making it nearly impossible to escape in the event of a more serious fire, he added. This has been the second time in four years that the structure was condemned by local officials after a fire. In 2004, a fire in the Beis Medrash started when a student lit a candle in the dorm's kitchen and the flame ignited a cupboard, burning the kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The building was condemned due to heat and water damage.