In a tragic incident that is remembered as one of the bloodiest in the city’s history, Baltimore is dealing with the loss of three courageous firefighters and another who is fighting for their life after becoming caught in a raging fire inside a vacant house on Monday.
A rowhouse in the New Southwest/Mount Clare neighborhood partially collapsed while the firefighters were inside. At the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, two people were pronounced dead: EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo, firefighter/paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and Lt. Paul Butrim. John McMaster, an EMT and firefighter, is still in the hospital. The sacrifice made by these heroes is all the more profound given their combined 44 years of service to the department.
“Baltimore owes them the deepest gratitude and respect,” said Mayor Brandon Scott, expressing the city’s appreciation. Visibly moved, Fire Chief Niles Ford promised to recognize the bravery and fortitude of the slain and injured firefighters, referring to them as members of his family.
When firemen arrived at a vacant building that had previously been the scene of a fire in 2015 early on Monday morning, the horrific event began. They were trapped when the building suddenly collapsed while they were inside. Two firefighters took an hour to be extracted, while one was quickly saved.
According to Maryland Shock Trauma’s Dr. Thomas Scalea, Sadler and Lacayo experienced unrecoverable cardiac arrests at the fire scene. McMaster is still on life support, and his injuries could get worse. Scalea emphasized the importance of closely monitoring his health.
Even with these firefighters’ heroic efforts, the fire’s intensity proved too much. Fire Chief Niles Ford cited the need to safeguard a neighboring occupied residence as justification for their choice to enter the abandoned rowhouse. In the belief that they could manage and put out the fire, the decision was made.
The heroics of Lt. Paul Butrim, who famously rescued a toddler from a blazing apartment in 2015, demonstrate the commitment these firemen had to their work. As a top responder and outstanding paramedic, Kenny Lacayo leaves a legacy that inspires other volunteers.
For Baltimore, which hadn’t lost a fireman since 2014, this horrific incident is unusual. The incident brings up issues with unoccupied dwellings, which are a recurring problem in a city where there are over 16,000 unoccupied residences. In order to prevent such tragic events, calls for reforms and preventative actions become essential.
The memories of these firemen will live on as Baltimore grieves this terrible loss, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who defend our neighborhoods. The event highlights the difficulties firemen encounter and the urgent need for changes to protect them from the dangers posed by abandoned buildings.
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