Globe to Danvers: Open the site

The Boston Globe lends its editorial voice to those calling on Danvers Fire Chief James Tutko to get over himself and led the feds do their job. In the lead editorial today, the Globe argues:

Those who lost their homes and narrowly escaped death or serious injury deserve an independent federal probe that examines whether state and local failures might have contributed to the blast. Despite the presence of hazardous materials, it appears the plant wasn't inspected by state authorities for several years. Federal authorities also will need to look closely at enforcement of local fire codes.

Yes, that's right. By refusing to allow federal inspectors to come in, local officials are opening themselves up to accusations that they're engaged in some sort of cover-up. Too harsh? Perhaps. But this turf war is inexplicable. You can't blame people for wondering.

Update: The Salem News reports that State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan is worried that the U.S. Chemical Safety Board's trained investigators would compromise what may prove to be a crime scene. On a credibility scale of 1 to 10, Coan's explanation strikes me as about a minus-2. What is going on?