On Thursday, October 19, in the northwestern part of Baltimore, Maryland, a multi-row home fire took a severe toll, resulting in the death of a firefighter and injuring four others.
Baltimore Fire Department Chief James Wallace, at a press conference confirmed the firefighter’s death. The deceased was identified as Rodney Pitts III, 31.
On Friday, October 20, Kevin Cartwright, the Director of Communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, said that the blaze had damaged four homes located on the 5200 block of Linden Heights Avenue.
Cartwright further revealed that the remaining three firefighters are in serious condition as a result of the fire. No civilians were harmed in the incident.
Local news channels in Baltimore aired footage depicting several row houses engulfed in flames. These visuals also captured some structures collapsing and vast amounts of black smoke emanating from the residences.
Details about the cause of the fire and the factors contributing to its rapid spread remain under investigation. However, Chief Wallace mentioned that their approach to this fire was consistent with their usual protocol.
Following the incident, a significant number of first responders congregated outside the Medical Center for hours.
Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby issued a statement on Thursday evening. He expressed the city’s sorrow over the loss of life and conveyed hope for the recovery of the injured. In his words, the firefighter lost will always be remembered as a hero in Baltimore.