Chicago fire report criticizes governments

CHICAGO, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A consultant's report has blamed last year's Chicago Loop high-rise fire on the mistakes and miscommunication of state, county and city officials.

The report, issued by James Lee Witt Associates, criticized the governments for the smoke-inhalation deaths of six people trapped in a locked stairwell, the Chicago Tribune reported Saturday. The report cited the lack of sprinklers in the building, command failures, and "significant concerns regarding professional leadership development" at the Chicago Fire Department.

The Fire Department and the politically connected private management company that operates the Cook County-owned building took the majority of the criticism.

The $1.9 million report, ordered by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, reiterated major findings of a county-appointed panel that earlier this year released its findings about the case.