Deaths Of 3 Baltimore Firefighters Ruled Homicide: Police

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Police Department announced Wednesday that the three firefighters who lost their lives while battling a fire in a vacant row house several months ago in southwest Baltimore died by homicide.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division also classified the deadly fire as "incendiary" the same day.

This means the fire was intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances where and when there should not have been a fire.

"This incendiary classification is an important step forward in this investigation," ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby said. "We will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure a complete and thorough investigation is completed."

On Jan. 24 just before 6 a.m., Baltimore City Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire at 205 S. Stricker St. in Baltimore.

A partial building collapse occurred and four firefighters became trapped inside the vacant home, authorities said.

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Firefighter/EMT John McMaster was immediately pulled out and transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he was treated and released.

Paramedic/Firefighters Kenneth Lacayo and Kelsey Sadler were also pulled from the fire and transported to the hospital where both were pronounced deceased a short time later.

After the fire was completely extinguished, authorities said Lt. Paul Butrim was recovered from the dwelling and pronounced deceased at the scene.

According to the Baltimore Police Department, the three deceased firefighters’ remains were transported to the State Medical Examiners’ office where autopsies were performed. It was determined that the firefighters died from injuries sustained while attempting to extinguish the fire.

Images and videos of a person of interest were released early in the investigation. ATF officials said Wednesday that the person has been identified, and no additional tips from the public are needed.

The investigation remains ongoing.