Statements from William A. Brewer III, partner at Bickel & Brewer and lead counsel for Titeflex:
“Naturally, we are deeply saddened by the accident. However, we believe the claims advanced against our client are without merit. To our knowledge, it has never been proven that CSST, when properly installed, presents any greater risk of fire resulting from a lightning strike than black iron pipe.”
“It is important for Texas homeowners to remember that safety officials, builders and independent researchers have all found flexible gas piping to be safe and effective when it is properly installed. In fact, no national regulatory body or fire safety agency has determined that it is unsafe to utilize CSST. We have complete faith in this product.”
Responding to allegations that CSST was the cause of the fire and explosion, Brewer said, “The sound science simply does not support the claims of the plaintiffs. It is unfortunate that the plaintiffs are being advised otherwise. Many experts who have investigated the incident believe the fire and explosion were caused by other factors unrelated to the builder’s choice of CSST. They believe the fire and explosion were caused by lightning damage to the electrical wiring, and the subsequent combustion of the insulation in the attic.”
