BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Fire Department has identified the firefighter that was killed in the four-alarm fire on Main Street as 37-year-old Jason Arno.
Arno was a three-year member of the department and worked out of Engine 2.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the department said in part that Arno "made the ultimate sacrifice."
"It is with the deepest regret and sorrow that we announce the Line of Duty death of Firefighter Jason Arno of Engine Company 2, Buffalo Fire Department.
Firefighter Arno made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely battling a fierce 4 alarm fire on the 700 block of Main Street in the heart of downtown Buffalo.
His tragic loss is a painful reminder of the dangerous and extremely difficult work Buffalo Firefighters do every day.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow Firefighters for the heartbreaking loss of an extraordinary young man who committed his life to the service of others."
Crews responded to the fire on the 700 block of Main Street around 10 a.m. Wednesday and around noon officials said there was a firefighter that was unaccounted for after a partial collapse of the building. Around 3:30 p.m. officials announced the firefighter was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo, investigators are looking into reports that the fire could've been caused by workers handling torches in the area. The building was under construction and Renaldo added the fire may have been going on for some time before authorities were called. No other injuries were reported.
To honor the memory of Arno, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has requested Buffalo landmarks be lit in red beginning Thursday night. On Wednesday, Brown directed that all city flags fly at half-staff.
“This is a heartbreaking time for our city. Yesterday, 37-year-old Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arno showed his bravery and commitment to fire service by putting on his uniform and carrying out his sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of this city. Tragically, he lost his life protecting others. I share my deepest sympathies with everyone who knew and loved him. I ask all City residents to keep his family, and the entire Buffalo Fire Department, in your prayers during this difficult time.”
Brown and Renaldo held a press conference Thursday afternoon and announced grief counseling will be offered to firefighters and first responders impacted through the Local 282 Employee Assistance Program and the City of Buffalo Employee Assistance Program. They will also be working with BestSelf.
The emergency demolition of the building has been suspended as they will now be partnering with the ATF and NYS Fire officials in the investigation. You can find more information on the investigation in the video below.
Renaldo said Arno was a bright young man with everything in front of him, he was married over the summer and had a three-year-old daughter at home.
"Just a great all-around person, no one ever had anything negative to say about firefighter Arno," said Renaldo.
The fire department is referring donations back to Local 282, you can find information on the union's FB page here and listed below:
"🚨🔔 Donations to the Arno Family 🔔🚨
Checks can be made payable to Buffalo Professional Firefighters and mailed/dropped off to -
500 Southside Pkwy Buffalo NY 14210
(716)856-4130
Venmo donations can be sent - @IAFF282
Food and Grocery Gift Cards can be dropped off to the Union Office as well"
Two GoFundMe fundraisers have also been established which can be found here and here.
