Tragic Fire Claims Lives of Three Baltimore Firefighters

BALTIMORE — A devastating fire early Monday morning resulted in the deaths of three firefighters and left a fourth in critical condition after a vacant rowhouse partially collapsed while they were battling the blaze.

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. in the 200 block of South Stricker Street in the New Southwest/Mount Clare neighborhood. Firefighters from the Baltimore City Fire Department responded to the scene, where they encountered a three-story rowhome engulfed in flames.

During the firefighting efforts, part of the structure collapsed, trapping four firefighters inside. Crews worked diligently to clear debris and locate the trapped members. Fire Chief Niles R. Ford reported that one firefighter was rescued immediately, while two others were freed within the hour.

Sadly, two firefighters were pronounced dead at the hospital, and a third was declared dead at the scene. The deceased have been identified as Lt. Paul Butrim, firefighter-paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT-firefighter Kenny Lacayo. The fourth firefighter, John McMaster, was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma and is currently on life support, according to Dr. Thomas Scalea.

Mayor Brandon Scott expressed his condolences, stating, “Today, Baltimore has lost three of the bravest among us. Baltimore owes them the deepest gratitude and respect that we can offer anybody.”

Witnesses reported seeing flames and hearing explosions from the fire, with one resident describing the chaos as she watched from her home. An excavator was later seen clearing debris from the site as firefighters mourned their fallen comrades.

This tragic event marks a dark day for the Baltimore Fire Department, which had previously experienced injuries in the same area during a fire in 2015.

Reported by HarborBeat based on FireRescue1 (source).