Tanks a Factor in Waco Fire, Expert Says at Trial

Tanks smashing holes into the Branch Davidian complex contributed to the fire that engulfed the compound, a fire expert testified Monday in the wrongful-death lawsuit against the government.

“There’s no doubt the government’s actions, particularly these incursions by [the tanks], not only increased the rate the fire burned, it decreased the clean air people inside had to breathe,” said fire investigator Patrick Kennedy.

Kennedy is an expert witness for Branch Davidian survivors and family members suing the government.

Although he could not say conclusively what caused the fire, Kennedy said the tank penetrations turned the walls into “kindling” and the openings allowed strong winds to feed the flames.

The government has maintained the Branch Davidians started the fire that enveloped the wooden building near Waco, Texas, on April 19, 1993. Sect leader David Koresh and 80 of his followers died that day, some in the fire, others from gunshots.

Earlier, survivor Graeme Craddock said in a videotaped deposition that he saw another Branch Davidian pouring fuel in the chapel area before the fire started.

Jurors also heard testimony from Marjorie Thomas, who suffered third-degree burns on half of her body.

Describing the scene when the fire broke out, she said, “I could hear rushing, screaming, crying, people praying.”

Thomas jumped from a window and was one of nine sect members who survived the last day of the 51-day standoff.

Thomas said the sect members never planned to either start a fire or commit suicide.

But during cross-examination, U.S. Atty. Michael Bradford pointed out that in a 1993 deposition, Thomas said Koresh had talked more than once about suicide.

Plaintiffs are seeking $675 million in damages. They contend government agents fired indiscriminately during the raid; violated a plan approved by Atty. Gen. Janet Reno when they punched holes in the building to spray tear gas; contributed to or caused at least some of the three fires that engulfed the compound; and failed to have firefighting equipment at the scene.