Remains recovered at Gloucester fire scene

January 2, 2008 11:03 AM Email| Comments (0)| Text size – +

By Globe Staff

Human remains have been found after a painstaking search in the rubble left by a mid-December fire in Gloucester. But Fire Chief Barry McKay says it's too early to say officially whether the remains belong to Robert Taylor, the 70-year-old handyman who is believed to have died in the fire.

McKay says the medical examiner's office is still trying to identify the remains.

"Obviously, he has to be extremely careful. He wants to make sure that the identification is 100 percent," the chief said.

The search for remains in what was left of the Lorraine Apartments had to be postponed several times due to bad weather and the holidays. Search dogs at one point found remains but they turned out to be animal remains.

The apartments and a synagogue were reduced by the Dec. 14 fire to 20-foot-tall mounds of wood, pipe, metal, and other charred debris.

McKay said witnesses have provided evidence that Taylor was in the burning building, but "in this day and age, you want to be absolutely certain" before making an announcement.

Twenty-seven people lived at the apartments. Government agencies have made financial assistance available for residents displaced by the fire.

The Small Business Administration is providing low-interest loans for tenants and businesses. Disaster relief officials will be available on the second floor of the Cape Ann Savings Bank in Gloucester from today to Jan. 10. Call (978) 283-0246 for more information.

The Gloucester Fund has been accepting donations and says it will distribute $70,000 among tenants of the apartments.