"This is a gut wrenching tragedy for our city," the mayor said.
January 25, 2022, 5:19 PM
• 7 min read
Share to FacebookShare to TwitterEmail this articleThe city of Baltimore is in mourning after three firefighters were killed when they responded to a fire and became trapped inside.
Lt. Paul Butrim, firefighter Kelsey Sadler and firefighter Kenny Lacayo died while battling a blaze at a vacant row-home Monday morning.
The house partially collapsed, trapping them inside, along with a fourth firefighter, John McMaster, who survived and was hospitalized.
A Baltimore firefighter holds balloons given to him by neighbor Darlene Cucina as a group of fire officials sit on a stoop across the street where three firefighters died in a building collapse while battling a two-alarm blaze in a vacant row home, Jan. 24, 2022, in Baltimore.
McMaster was upgraded to fair condition on Tuesday with Baltimore Fire Chief Niles Ford describing him as "conscious and alert."
"While he has a long way to go, I am incredibly optimistic," Ford said.
Lt. Butrim was a 16-year veteran of the department. Sadler spent 15 years with the department and Lacayo was with the department for seven years.
Firefighters salute as an ambulance carries a deceased colleague after a building collapsed while they were battling a two-alarm fire at a vacant row home, Jan. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. Three firefighters died.
"This is a gut-wrenching tragedy for our city, the Baltimore City Fire Department, and most importantly the families of our firefighters," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. "My heart is with the firefighters, their families, and the entire Baltimore City Fire Department who put the lives and safety of others before their own wellbeing each and every day. I ask that all of Baltimore keep them in our prayers during this extremely difficult time."
People embrace after a deceased firefighter was put into an ambulance following a building collapse while firefighters battled a two-alarm fire at a vacant row home, Jan. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. Three firefighters died.
Chief Ford said, "From this moment, we will honor those we lost today, for their bravery, their courage, their love for helping others and the respect they had for the Baltimore City Fire Department."
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ordered flags lowered to half-staff.
Law enforcement and sports teams in Baltimore are also offering their condolences.
