Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in January 2022.
Baltimore mourns deeply after a devastating fire in a vacant home claimed the lives of three courageous firefighters, while another remains fighting for survival. This heartbreaking tragedy marks one of the deadliest moments in the city’s history.
The firefighters were battling flames inside a rowhouse in Baltimore’s New Southwest/Mount Clare neighborhood when the structure partially collapsed. Tragically, two heroes—Lt. Paul Butrim and firefighter/paramedic Kelsey Sadler—were declared dead at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, alongside EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo. EMT/firefighter John McMaster remains hospitalized, fighting for his life. Together, these four dedicated a combined 44 years of service to the department, making their sacrifice all the more profound.
Mayor Brandon Scott expressed the city’s heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Baltimore owes them the deepest gratitude and respect.” Fire Chief Niles Ford, visibly moved, called the fallen and injured firefighters family and pledged to forever honor their bravery and courage.
The tragic incident unfolded early Monday morning as firefighters rushed to a vacant building—already scarred by a fire in 2015. While inside, the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping the crew. One firefighter was quickly rescued, but it took a grueling hour to free two others.
Dr. Thomas Scalea of Maryland Shock Trauma shared the grim update: Sadler and Lacayo suffered cardiac arrests at the scene and could not be revived. McMaster remains on life support, with his condition closely monitored amid concerns of worsening injuries.
Despite the firefighters’ heroic efforts, the ferocity of the blaze proved relentless. Fire Chief Niles Ford explained their courageous decision to enter the vacant rowhouse stemmed from the urgent need to protect an adjacent occupied home. Confident in their skills, they believed they could contain and extinguish the fire.
Lt. Paul Butrim’s legacy of bravery—highlighted by his daring rescue of a child from a burning apartment in 2015—reflects the unwavering dedication these firefighters embodied. Kenny Lacayo, renowned as an exceptional paramedic and top responder, leaves behind a profound void felt deeply by his fellow volunteers and the entire community.
This heartbreaking tragedy marks a rare and painful moment for Baltimore, which had not seen a firefighter fatality since 2014. The incident casts a stark spotlight on the ongoing issue of vacant properties—over 16,000 across the city—prompting urgent calls for reforms and stronger preventative measures to protect those who risk their lives.
As Baltimore grieves the loss of these brave firefighters, their legacy will live on—reminding us all of the tremendous sacrifices made by those who stand on the front lines to keep our communities safe. This tragedy underscores the critical challenges firefighters face and the urgent need for change to better safeguard their lives amid the dangers posed by abandoned and neglected homes.