Baltimore is mourning the loss of three firefighters and another critically injured after a fire in a vacant home on Monday. Lt. Paul Butrim, firefighter/paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo died, while EMT/firefighter John McMaster remains in critical condition.
The firefighters were trapped when the building collapsed while they were responding to the fire. Despite efforts to rescue them, two were trapped for an hour before being pronounced dead.
Mayor Brandon Scott and Fire Chief Niles Ford praised the firefighters’ bravery and dedication, remembering them for their service and heroism, especially Lt. Butrim, who saved a child from a fire in 2015.
This tragedy has raised concerns about vacant properties in Baltimore, with calls for safety reforms to prevent further risks to firefighters and the community.
