The fire of a vacant rowhome in southwest Baltimore that took the lives of three Baltimore City firefighters in January has been ruled a homicide.
Lt. Paul Butrim, Lt. Kelsey Sadler, and Firefighter/EMT Kenny Lacayo lost their lives battling the deadly fire at 205 South Striker Street on January 24. EMT/firefighter John McMaster was injured in the blaze.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives classified the fire as incendiary.
“Thoughts of Lt. Butrim, Lt. Sadler, and Firefighter/EMT Lacayo have been present in our minds every step of this investigation, ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby said. "We would like to thank members of the community who contacted ATF and our partners with information, as well as for their outpouring of support for Baltimore City Fire Department and the loved ones of these fallen heroes. The incendiary classification is an important step forward in this case. We will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure a complete and thorough investigation is completed.”