Everett fire chief denies allegation he showed up intoxicated at deadly New Year's Eve fire

Everett fire chief accused of being impaired at fire

Everett fire chief accused of being impaired at fire

EVERETT, Wash. -- City officials are investigating after an employee of the Everett Fire Department made an allegation that Fire Chief Murray Gordon arrived on the scene of a deadly fire with his breath smelling of alcohol and showing signs of impairment.

Everett officials are investigating the claim but say Gordon is not on leave at this time.

In a statement, the city said, "The allegation is under investigation by the city’s Human Resources Department; a third party has been hired to do the fact finding. Chief Gordon is not on leave."

Gordon declined an on-camera interview but released a statement saying, "I was not impaired the night of the Bluffs fire and I am confident that the investigation will confirm that."

Gordon went on to say, "I understand that the City must take these allegations seriously, and I will fully cooperate with the investigation and any actions that the City takes as a result. I look forward to resolving this and continuing to focus on the good work that the Everett Fire Department does for our community on a daily basis."

Gordon has been the fire chief since 2001.