Baltimore is grieving the loss of three firefighters after a vacant rowhouse fire turned
deadly on Monday, leaving a fourth critically injured. The victims were Lt. Paul Butrim,
firefighter/paramedic Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo.
EMT/firefighter John McMaster remains hospitalized on life support.
Together, they had served the city for 44 years.
Mayor Brandon Scott said, “Baltimore owes them the deepest gratitude and respect.”
Fire Chief Niles Ford called them family and vowed to honor their courage.
The blaze broke out in a vacant home previously burned in 2015.
The structure collapsed, trapping the firefighters inside. Despite rescue efforts, Sadler and Lacayo suffered fatal cardiac arrests, while McMaster’s condition remains grave.
The tragedy underscores the risks posed by Baltimore’s 16,000 vacant homes. Calls for reforms are growing as the city remembers these heroes, whose bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
