Baltimore mourns the loss of three firefighters—Lt. Paul Butrim, Kelsey Sadler, and Kenny Lacayo—killed in a vacant rowhouse fire on Monday, with EMT John McMaster critically injured. The structure partially collapsed during the rescue effort in the New Southwest/Mount Clare neighborhood. Together, the fallen had 44 years of service.
Mayor Brandon Scott and Fire Chief Niles Ford expressed deep gratitude for their bravery. Sadler and Lacayo suffered cardiac arrests, and McMaster remains on life support. The firefighters entered the vacant home to protect an adjacent occupied building, highlighting the risks they face.
This tragedy underscores the dangers posed by Baltimore’s 16,000 vacant homes, sparking calls for reform to prevent future losses.
