BALTIMORE — Three firefighters have died and one is in critical condition after being trapped in a 2-alarm fire this morning.
Crews were on the scene of a fire in the 200 block of S. Stricker Street at 6 a.m. and, according to tweets, the fire involved a 3-story vacant rowhome.
Firefighters were inside battling the fire when a partial collapse happened and trapped four members inside. Multiple "Mayday" calls were made by trapped firefighters.
One firefighter was immediately pulled out while three others were trapped. Crews started removing piles of debris in hopes of locating trapped members.
Within an hour, crews were able to remove two more firefighters and transported them to Shock Trauma.
The firefighters who lost their lives on Monday were identified as Lt Paul Butrim, FFPM Kelsey Sadler and FFPM Kenneth Lacayo.
A fourth EMT/Firefighter, John McMaster, remains at the hospital in critical but stable condition.
"I had the opportunity to visit EMT/Firefighter John McMaster at Shock Trauma and his condition has been upgraded to fair – as he is conscious and alert. While he has a long way to go, I am incredibly optimistic, and we will continue to pray for and support EMT/FF McMaster and his family during his time of recovery," said Fire Chief Niles R. Ford.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the families of the fallen and injured firefighters.
