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Report on Firefighter Deaths

A fire department inquiry into the deaths of two firefighters last year reportedly finds that drug and alcohol impairment was not a factor.

The Boston Herald, which first reported that finding on its Web site Thursday night, also said Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser disputed it in a letter to the mayor and the head of the inquiry board.

WBZ-TV, which aired details from the report, also said it blames extreme conditions for the men's deaths in a restaurant fire but recommends drug testing for the fire department and inspection of safety gear.

WBZ said the report to be released Friday says Warren Payne's gear was melted and Paul Cahill became disoriented in thick smoke.

Boston media reports last year said autopsies found Cahill had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit, and Payne had traces of cocaine in his system.

This program aired on February 22, 2008. The audio for this program is not available.

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