Long Beach complex closed after 2nd fire

A Long Beach city official Tuesday ordered closed a 42-apartment building after the structure was hit Monday night by its second fire in only six days, leaving dozens of people homeless.

Scott Kemins, the city's building commissioner, Tuesday declared 315 W. Broadway uninhabitable a day after an electrical fire gutted the building.

"I don't like displacing 40 or so families, but it's not safe," he said.

A fire also broke out on June 21, Kemins said. At that time, the building's owner, Westbury-based Boston House Llc, was notified that it needed to make electrical repairs, Kemins said. But he did not order it indefinitely closed at the time.

Kemins explained he could not allow residents back into the building after the second blaze, which significantly damaged two apartments. The other units were not damaged by the fire, he said.

Kemins said a city electrical inspector and an electrician hired by the owner were going through the building Tuesday afternoon "to see if we can put a cause" to the fires. But he said he believes both of them stem from "basically outdated electrical" components.

The building, built in 1927, has had upgrades over the years, Kemins said.

The Nassau County chapter of the American Red Cross found temporary shelter in area hotels for 29 residents after the Monday fire, spokesman Sam Kille said.

Other residents declined help and were staying with relatives and friends.

In all, 50 people were evacuated as a result of the 11 p.m. fire, which started in a third-floor unit.

Kille said the landlord will begin paying for the hotel rooms starting Wednesday.

Boston House officials could not be reached for comment.

Kille said anyone needing shelter as a result of the fire can call the Nassau chapter, 516-747-3500.