Lawrence inspectional staff and the fire prevention division reported Sept. 9 that a fire at Winfield Alloys’ scrap yard and a separate Aug. 12 residential fire prompted enforcement actions and inspections to protect public safety and nearby residents.

An inspector read the fire report for 15 Medford (address given in the meeting transcript as the Winfield scrap-yard incident), noting that on the morning of Aug. 27 the Fire Department responded to multiple fires within a large mixed-scrap pile and, after a joint compliance review, found "several, serious violations" of the state fire code (527 CMR), the state building code (780 CMR), and a local ordinance (Lawrence Municipal Code 15.04.010). The business was ordered to cease operations until it could demonstrate full compliance, and departments required removal and reorganization of scrap and pallet materials, cleared egresses, submission of a corrective action plan, staff training on emergency response, and changes to waste-oil handling. The meeting record says scrap and materials have been relocated and that outstanding items include a report on emergency repairs and training/certification documentation.

Separately, staff summarized the consequences of an Aug. 12 multi-building fire that affected properties on Lowell Street, La Nueva Pogaça restaurant, Oxford Street, and others. Inspectors reported that two buildings at 322 and 326 Lowell Street were "deemed unsafe and dangerous" and are moving toward demolition proceedings; other properties sustained extensive damage but have had coordinated work with building, health and fire departments to allow re-occupancy where feasible. The department reported that the combined incident displaced more than 45 residents and that some tenants have already returned to less-damaged units while two properties remain total losses.

Board members discussed inspection frequency for facilities like scrap yards. Staff said such businesses are inspected by the Fire Department around licensing renewals and that inspection frequency varies by business type; staff recommended quarterly joint inspections by fire and inspectional services for high‑risk sites. Attendees suggested asking the City Council to coordinate licensing renewals so Inspectional Services is alerted when renewals occur, enabling joint inspections and reducing compliance gaps.

Health staff also emphasized tenant preparedness: inspectors recommended that affected tenants contact their insurance carriers for rent or housing assistance and noted landlords are required by sanitary code to provide temporary housing when appropriate. The department did not provide a cost estimate for damages at the time of the report.