Bungalow’s Wall Heater Checked Out OK Before Fire

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

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

A week later the cottage was on fire.

Resident Josephine Codd, 87, remained in grave condition Wednesday at the Grossman Burn Center at the 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.

The Los Angeles Fire Department, meanwhile, continued its investigation into the cause of the Woodland Hills fire, which may have been ignited by gas, authorities said.

“Apparently there was an explosion, and the investigation is centered around a gas leak,” said Battalion Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, adding that the final report on the fire could take weeks.

Home officials have acknowledged they were aware that Codd had complained of gas smells in the past. They refused 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.

On Wednesday afternoon, Codd’s apartment unit was draped in tarps and wrapped in yellow caution tape. The heavy smell of smoke still hung in the damp air.

Helen Balker, 83, who lives fewer than 50 feet from Codd’s ruined cottage, said she was awakened by the blast from the explosion about 2 a.m. Monday.

“I heard this huge boom,” she said. “I went outside and, oooh, oh my God, you’ve never seen such flames.”

Balker said that she had seen the grounds maintenance workers at Codd’s cottage “many times” and that Codd had recently said her heater’s pilot light was off.

“It’s scary” said Balker. “I have a gas wall heater just like Jo’s. But mine is newer.”

Balker and other residents had nothing but praise for the facility’s management.

“If anyone has a problem they are right here,” said Nyla Fuller, 88. “All you have to do is dial 5 and they are here.”

Friends said that, in spite of her advanced years, Codd was still active. “This whole thing is so unfortunate because she was in such control of her faculties,” said Ione Haugh, who had given Codd rides to St. James Presbyterian Church in Tarzana for about the last year.

Other church members said Codd followed the stock market with interest and read the Wall Street Journal every morning to keep track of her finances.

“She’ll be upset if all her stock papers were destroyed,” said Mary Barnett, who also attended St. James.