Inadequate pressure in standpipes at the Meridian tower hampered firefighting efforts and allowed the blaze to sweep through eight floors.
Neither Ulshafer nor L&I Commissioner Don Kligerman could be reached for comment yesterday. However, Mayor Goode, cornered by reporters in City Hall, expressed irritation at Ulshafer's comments.
"I'm very surprised that my fire commissioner would talk to the press about concerns he has before talking to me," Goode told reporters, refusing to comment further on statements Ulshafer made to the press.
Former District Attorney Ronald D. Castille recommended putting fire code enforcement in the Fire Department's hands after a 1988 grand jury report blasted L&I's inspection and enforcement procedures.
Karen Warrington, Goode's press secretary, said Goode supports the idea ''in concept", but wants a complete briefing from Ulshafer before taking any action.
Last month, four current or former L&I officials were charged with taking bribes from building contractors. Among those charged was Robert Hoyt, the retired chief of the commercial and industrial fire unit.
Monday's Council hearing, called by Democrat Joan L. Krajewski, is expected to focus on a number of proposed changes in the fire code, including proposals to require sprinklers in all high-rise buildings.
The Meridian building was not equipped with sprinklers except in its upper floors.
