In a recent government meeting, officials addressed ongoing concerns regarding a series of fires along Charles Street, with the latest incident prompting a temporary cease and desist order due to fire code violations. The order was lifted after power was restored to the affected area, allowing businesses to reopen.

The fire department reported challenges in investigating the cause of the fires, particularly those occurring underground. Fire investigators face limitations due to confined space laws, which hinder their ability to access fire scenes in their original state. As a result, the cause of the most recent fire remains undetermined, and investigations into previous incidents have not yielded conclusive findings.

Director Johnson from the Department of Transportation acknowledged the early stages of the investigation and emphasized the need for coordination among various stakeholders. He noted that while contributing factors will be evaluated, detailed information is currently scarce.

Officials expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the underlying issues that have led to these fires, highlighting the urgency for answers to ensure the safety of residents and businesses in the area. The meeting concluded with a call for a timeline on the investigation, as stakeholders seek to prevent future incidents and restore confidence in the safety of Charles Street.