BALTIMORE – Baltimore City firefighter dies, and 4 others injured in response to Northwest Baltimore fire
An unfortunate incident occurred in a Northwest Baltimore neighborhood on Thursday afternoon. A Baltimore City firefighter lost his life, and four others were injured while responding to a two-alarm fire in a two-story brick rowhome on Linden Heights Avenue. The fire later extended to three other dwellings in the area.
Fire Chief James Wallace expressed his condolences and said, “I want to extend my love and prayers to the families and victims of this tragic event as well as the members of the Baltimore City Fire Department. We want them to know we keep them in our prayers and will continue to do so.”
The identity of the firefighter who died in the fire has not been disclosed.
At Shock Trauma, the Baltimore City Fire Department paid tribute to the fallen firefighter with a salute as an outgoing ambulance departed from the scene.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott stated, “Tonight, Baltimore lost a hero. One of our bravest and most dedicated public servants, and four others who were injured, each and every one of them put themselves in harm’s way and put our lives in front of theirs. Tragically, tonight one of them gave their life for our city.”
Firefighters entered the building to conduct an interior attack on the fire. The injured firefighters received medical treatment at a local hospital.
The smoke has gone from light gray to black and flames can be seen from the roof again. BCFD officials say three firefighters were injured, officials could not confirm the extent of those injuries. @wjz pic.twitter.com/nDyK94kjw4
— Caroline Foreback (@CarolineWJZ) October 19, 2023
Baltimore City Fire spokesperson Kevin Cartwright explained, “Which is when the fire grew in its intensity. The incident commander then requested a second alarm to bring in additional manpower and resources to this scene to get control of this fire.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Moving forward, Mayor Scott emphasized the need for support and unity within Baltimore. He stated, “Tonight, Baltimore’s focus should be on supporting these families, supporting this department, and supporting the city as we have to wrap our arms around them as they are dealing with a tragic loss. A hero lost their life by putting Baltimore first.”
Almost two years ago, in January 2022, the Baltimore City Fire Department mourned the loss of three other firefighters who battled a destructive vacant house fire on Stricker Street. Lieutenant Paul Butrim, firefighter Kelsey Sadler, and EMT Kenny Lacayo tragically lost their lives due to a partial collapse of the structure. Despite ongoing investigations and the release of person of interest photos, no arrests were made in connection with the incident. The Stricker Street fire brought attention to the issue of vacant housing in the city and led to a reevaluation of the department’s leadership.
State, local leaders express condolences
The death of the firefighter deeply affected city leaders.
Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby issued a statement, saying, “Our city’s heart is broken tonight. Words cannot express the loss we feel as a community. Firefighters are our superheroes. When they are taken from us, the pain feels unimaginable and unbearable. On a tragic night like tonight, we are reminded of the immense risks they face every single day to keep us and our communities safe.”
Mosby continued, “The firefighter we lost tonight will be remembered as a hero in this city. Our hearts are with their family tonight, and we mourn their loss. We are here to help in any way we can.”
The Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police also expressed their condolences, stating, “Tonight our prayers are with our Brothers and Sisters at the Baltimore City Fire Department.”
Tonight our prayers are with our Brothers and Sisters at the Baltimore City Fire Department.
— Baltimore City FOP (@FOP3) October 19, 2023
Councilman Yitzy Schleifer expressed his sadness and sympathy, stating, “We are extremely saddened to learn that one of our @BaltimoreFire fighters lost their life in a fire this evening in our district. Our hearts go out to this hero’s family during this difficult time.”
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates released a statement, saying, “My thoughts are with the Baltimore Fire Department tonight as we mourn the loss of a firefighter and pray for the other brave heroes who were injured. We often take for granted when we kiss our loved ones goodbye at the start of the workday, hoping they will return home safely. Tonight serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices that firefighters make every day, as well as the sacrifices of their loved ones. I urge everyone to embrace their family members tonight and keep our fire service members in your prayers.”
