Rest In Peace To Heroes Who Died In This Tragic Accident

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in January 2022.

In a heart-wrenching event, Baltimore is grappling with the loss of three brave firefighters and another fighting for life after being trapped in a fierce fire inside a vacant home on Monday – a tragedy etched as one of the city’s deadliest.

Photo Credit: WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore/Youtube

Photo Credit: WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore/Youtube

The firefighters were inside a rowhouse in the New Southwest/Mount Clare neighborhood when the structure partially collapsed. Two were declared dead at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, identified as Lt. Paul Butrim, firefighter/paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo. EMT/firefighter John McMaster remains in the hospital. The collective 44 years of service these heroes offered to the department make their sacrifice even more poignant.

Mayor Brandon Scott expressed the city’s gratitude, acknowledging, “Baltimore owes them the deepest gratitude and respect.” Fire Chief Niles Ford, visibly emotional, referred to the fallen and injured firefighters as part of his family, vowing to honor their bravery and courage.

Photo Credit: WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore/Youtube

Photo Credit: WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore/Youtube

The tragic incident unfolded early Monday morning when firefighters responded to a vacant structure, the site of a previous fire in 2015. While inside, the building unexpectedly collapsed, trapping them. One firefighter was swiftly rescued, but it took an hour to extract two others.

Dr. Thomas Scalea of Maryland Shock Trauma revealed that Sadler and Lacayo suffered cardiac arrests at the fire scene, proving unrecoverable. McMaster remains on life support, with the potential for worsening injuries. Scalea stressed the vigilant monitoring of his condition.

Photo Credit: Baltimore City Fire Department/Facebook

Photo Credit: Baltimore City Fire Department/Facebook

Despite the valiant efforts of these firefighters, the severity of the blaze proved overwhelming. Fire Chief Niles Ford explained their decision to enter the vacant rowhouse, citing an adjacent occupied home that needed protection. The determination was made believing they could control and extinguish the fire.

Lt. Paul Butrim’s history of heroism, notably saving a child from a burning apartment in 2015, showcases the dedication these firefighters had to their duty. Kenny Lacayo, remembered as a top responder and exceptional paramedic, leaves a void that resonates among fellow volunteers.

Photo Credit: WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore/Youtube

Photo Credit: WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore/Youtube

This tragic event stands as a rarity for Baltimore, which hadn’t experienced a firefighter loss since 2014. The incident raises concerns about vacant properties, a persistent challenge in a city with approximately 16,000 vacant homes. Calls for reforms and preventative measures become crucial to avoid such devastating incidents.

As Baltimore mourns this profound loss, the memories of these firefighters will endure, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect our communities. The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by firefighters and the pressing need for reforms to ensure their safety while safeguarding against the risks posed by vacant properties.

Related Posts

Pope Francis’ Final Will Revealed: His Specific Last Wishes At Age 88

In his final will and testament, Pope Francis provided highly detailed instructions for his funeral. Catholics worldwide are in grief after their beloved leader, Francis, who was…

Cinnamon and Honey: The Most Powerful Remedy Even Doctors ☺👌The article in the first comment👇👇

For centuries, honey and cinnamon have been treasured in cultures from Egypt to China for their health-promoting powers. Long before modern medicine, these natural ingredients were used…

MIRACLE COFFEE prevents dementia, heart attack and stroke, joint arthrosis… recipe Must express something to keep getting my recipes 🙏

As we grow older, it becomes even more important to prioritize our health and well-being. Though there’s no magic pill to prevent diseases entirely, incorporating some ingredients into our…

I didn’t realize you could do this. Full article 👇 💬💬

It’s definitely a good idea to explore natural ways to manage cholesterol levels, especially if your doctor has indicated they are just a bit high. Many people…

Stop throwing out toilet paper rolls. Here are 10 brilliant hacks to use them around the house. Full article 👇 💬

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing waste, finding new uses for everyday items is more important than ever. Toilet paper rolls, often discarded without…

MY HUSBAND MOCKED ME FOR BUYING A FLEA MARKET EGG—TURNS OUT, IT WASN’T EMPTY INSIDE I’ve always loved wandering through flea markets in search of hidden treasures, and this find was one of those moments… IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT! An incredibly beautiful vintage gilded egg—the perfect little jewelry box. After haggling with the seller, I proudly brought my find home. But instead of a warm welcome, my husband greeted me with sarcasm: “HEY! FOUND ANY MORE JUNK?!” I pulled the egg out of my bag and held it up to the light. To me, it was stunning, but my husband only saw rust and considered it a “wasteful” purchase. He lost interest quickly, but when the egg opened, he was taken aback.⬇️See check comment below⬇️

Jen has always been a flea market junkie, a passion she inherited from summers spent with her grandmother hunting for “preloved jewels.” Despite her husband Sam’s constant…