A Baltimore firefighter was killed and four others harmed while battling a massive blaze that caught several rowhouses in the northwest part of the city Thursday evening.
Authorities said that the wounded firefighters suffered burns when the fire “rapidly” grew in intensity spreading to nearby structures.
“Tonight, it is with a heavy heart that I must announce one member has tragically perished as a result of his injuries,” said James Wallace, the newly sworn fire department chief.
The two-alarm blaze erupted at around 4 p.m. engulfing multiple rowhouses. A cause remains undetermined.
“What I can tell you is, we attacked this fire like we attack many fires,” Wallace said.
Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby mourned the tragic passing of a firefighter battling the blaze.
“Firefighters are our living superheroes, and we don’t expect to lose them. It’s a reminder of what firefighters do on a regular basis to protect and serve our city.”
