Check of Cottage Before Fire Found No Trouble

Documents released Wednesday show that a Motion Picture and Television Fund retirement home bungalow that exploded in flames Monday had been inspected one week before but that no problems were found.

“Checked heater out (Jo says she smells gas), heater is working great,” said a work order completed by a retirement home repairman.

A week later the cottage caught fire.

Josephine Codd, 87, remained in grave condition Wednesday at Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital and Health Center, with severe burns over 60% of her body.

“The chances of a person her age surviving a burn like this is a remote possibility, sadly,” said Larry Weinberg, a spokesman for the burn center. “At this point, it’s not a question of rehabilitation--it’s one of survival.”

Codd, referred to as Jo in the work order, had been complaining of a gas smell for months, according to friends and relatives. The work order and a maintenance log were released Wednesday by the state Department of Social Services, which regulates retirement homes and is reviewing the incident.

Battalion Chief Daryl Arbuthnott of the Los Angeles Fire Department said its investigation is focused on a possible gas leak. The department’s final report on the fire could take weeks.

Home officials have acknowledged that they were aware that Codd had complained of gas smells in the past. They refused to comment Wednesday on the Feb. 19 inspection but said they are conducting a thorough investigation of their facility and procedures.

“We’re looking at every possible angle,” said spokeswoman Carol Pfannkuche.