2-97

MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARCHIVES

Guide to the Records of the

GEORGIAN WOODS FIRE INQUIRY BOARD

1979

Record Group 15: Boards and Commissions

INTRODUCTION

The records of the Georgian Woods Fire Inquiry Board cover the investigation during 1979 of a fire at the Georgian Woods Apartments in Wheaton, Maryland. Hearing transcripts and the final report of the Fire Inquiry Board are among the most significant records in this collection.

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY

A Fire Inquiry Board was appointed by the Board of the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department at the request of County Executive Charles W. Gilchrist to investigate a fire which occurred at the Georgian Woods Apartments in Wheaton, Maryland, on January 30, 1979. Mismanagement by the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department at the scene of the fire was alleged to have caused unnecessary financial damage and the loss of homes to 22 families. The Board was charged to develop findings and recommendations regarding conditions surrounding the fire and efforts used by the Fire Department to combat the fire.

PROCESSING PROCEDURES

General processing procedures consisted of discarding duplicates, unnecessary binders, and routine transmittals. Oversized documents and photographs were removed from the original location in their assigned series and placed in separate containers. Separation sheets were inserted in the original location within the folder to indicate the new location of any records placed elsewhere.

Preservation copying of newspaper clippings were preformed whenever feasible. Records in folders were arranged, unless otherwise indicated, in forward chronological order, with undated records appearing at the end of the folder.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The records of the Georgian Woods Fire Inquiry Board contain hearing transcripts, clippings, correspondence, memoranda, meetings minutes, photographs, and a final report regarding the investigation of the Fire Inquiry Board in 1979. The total volume of the collection is .66 cubic feet and has been arranged into two series:

Series I: Public Hearing Transcripts

Series II: Fire Inquiry Board Report

PROVENANCE

The records appear to have originated in the County Executive's Office.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Series I: Public Hearing Transcripts, 1979 (.33 cubic feet)

This series includes transcripts of public hearings held March 15, March 22, and March 29, 1979. The transcripts were divided into three volumes by date. Folders are arranged chronologically.

Series II: Fire Inquiry Board Report, 1979 (.33 cubic feet)

This series contains the final report of the Board with attached appendices. Appendices 1-6 which contain significant internal County, memoranda, a diagram, and persons interviewed regarding the fire are included with the Board's Report. Of particular importance is Appendix 7 which is not contained with the Report but filed separately. Appendix 7 includes media clippings, interview transcripts, inquiry board meeting minutes, the radio transmissions transcript, fire department internal correspondence and memoranda, fire victim letters, and photographs. Folders are arranged chronologically.

BOX INVENTORY

Box 1

Series I: Public Hearing Transcripts

Georgian Woods Fire, Public Hearing Transcript, March 15, 1979 (3 folders)

Georgian Woods Fire, Public Hearing Transcript, March 22, 1979 (2 folders)

Box 2

Series I: Public Hearing Transcripts (continued)

Georgian Woods Fire, Public Hearing Transcript, March 29, 1979

Series II: Fire Inquiry Board Report

Georgian Woods Fire, Fire Inquiry Board Report, Appendix 1-6, April 30, 1979

Georgian Woods Fire, Fire Inquiry Board Report, Appendix 7, April 30, 1979 (6 folders)