Baltimore is mourning the loss of three firefighters and one other fighting for life after a tragic accident during a blaze in a vacant home on Monday. The firefighters, who were inside a rowhouse in the New Southwest/Mount Clare neighborhood, were trapped when the building partially collapsed. Lt. Paul Butrim, firefighter/paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo died from their injuries, while EMT/firefighter John McMaster remains in critical condition at the hospital.

Mayor Brandon Scott and Fire Chief Niles Ford expressed deep gratitude and respect for the fallen heroes, who collectively served the department for 44 years. The firefighters had responded to a fire in a vacant structure, a site of a previous fire in 2015, when the unexpected collapse occurred. Two of the trapped firefighters suffered cardiac arrests at the scene, while McMaster’s condition remains critical and monitored closely.

This tragedy highlights the risks of vacant properties in Baltimore, where over 16,000 vacant homes exist. With no firefighter deaths in the city since 2014, this incident calls attention to the need for reforms to address safety concerns and protect those who risk their lives to serve the community. The legacy of these brave men will continue to inspire, serving as a reminder of their ultimate sacrifice.

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