BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Fire Department announced a 37-year-old firefighter was killed in the four-alarm fire on Main Street Wednesday.
Crews responded to the 700 block of Main Street around 10 a.m. and around noon officials said there was a firefighter from Engine 2 that was unaccounted for.
A city spokesperson said there was a partial collapse of the building and there was no contact with the firefighter after the collapse.
Around 3:30 p.m. officials announced the 37-year-old firefighter was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is not being released at this time.
"It's a very sad day for the Buffalo Fire Department family," Buffalo Fire Commissioner, William Renaldo said.
The 37-year-old firefighter's name has not been released yet by officials, in order to give family members time to notify others.
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 Commissioner Renaldo added the fire may have been going on for some time before authorities were called. No other injuries were reported.
Renaldo said, "They were working with torches on the brick and mortar and we're thinking that heat transferred either through holes in the mortar or openings in the mortar. There was a considerable load of fuel inside the building. We believe that's what fueled the fire and believe that is what took office."
At some point, while crews were responding to the building conditions began deteriorating quickly which caused part of the building to collapse.
"He was probably about 30 or 40 feet in, on the main floor when the mayday was called. The rest of the firefighters on the scene were able to safely evacuate, and unfortunately, he was not able to," Renaldo said. There was a mayday called. The rest of our firefighters, the rescue personnel that were on scene, had to evacuate the fire immediately. Unfortunately, they weren't able to retrieve him at the time, so we don't really know."
Renaldo said there were no civilians inside of the building and no other injuries were reported, and there is not a public health concern, when it comes to air quality, but the building does pose a safety risk.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, "That demolition will be conducted very quickly."
Father Paul Seil, the department's chaplain, visited the family and bringing them comfort during an unfathomable time.
"We have different emotions, obviously. This isn't something we get over quickly. We remember these things and its just the opening of this rawest of wounds and so now we heal by just supporting one another and showing that we love one another, the embraces, the tears and everything for his immediate family," Father Paul explained.
Firefighters embrace outside of Engine 2 in Buffalo. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/dg5vVWc0pA
— Sean Mickey (@SeanMickey7) March 1, 2023
Engine No. 2 is flying the American Flag at Half Staff.
— Sydni Eure (@SydniEure) March 1, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the brave Buffalo firefighter our community lost today. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/4t5vkMiTkf
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown released the following statement:
“This is a heartbreaking day for our city. Early this morning, a 37-year-old Buffalo Firefighter 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. Today, 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."
The mayor also directed that all city flags fly at half-staff to honor the firefighter.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted the following statement:
"On behalf of the entire @ErieCountyNY family, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of the Buffalo Fire Fighter who perished while in the line of duty today, as well as to the entire Buffalo Fire and City family.
All flags at county buildings will be lowered in his honor."
Congressman Nick Langworthy released the following statement:
“My prayers are with the entire Buffalo Fire Department as they mourn the loss of their brother who bravely and selflessly laid down his own life battling a four-alarm fire in downtown Buffalo today. While the firefighter’s motto is ‘always ready’, as civilians we can never fully grasp their heroism in the face of such danger. My thoughts and prayers are with all his loved ones, and I know this grateful community will rally around them with love and support. May God look over them and all our first responders who are facing a heartbreaking loss today.”
Smoke was visible throughout Downtown Buffalo for much of the morning and early afternoon.
Due to the fire, the following streets are closed:
- Main - Virginia to Chippewa
- Washington - Virginia to Chippewa
- Tupper - Pearl to Ellicott
- Pearl - Main to Tupper
7 News received this video from the Buffalo Fire Department - Helmets & Hose Wagons which shows smoke and debris billowing out of a building. It knocked several firefighters over as they tried to battle the flames.
7 News also received a video from Josh Federice which shows flames shooting from the front of a building.
Renaldo said the smoke and flames shooting from the front of the buildings could have been caused by a backdraft.
"If a fire is smoldering for a certain amount of time, and oxygen is introduced abruptly, it gets sucked into the building then fires back. A lot of you have seen in the video, it's mostly a backdraft," he explained.
Officials have ordered an emergency demolition of the building because it is unstable.
