4-alarm fire generates explosion and claims the life of a firefighter in New York

NY. This morning a firefighter died while struggling to extinguish the fire in a burning costume shop in downtown Buffalo, New York, and a sudden explosion went off, causing the structure to collapse, trapping him inside.

The announcement was made by Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo at a somber news conference. “Today one of our firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice“, said.

Videos shared on social networks show the moment when the fire sparked an explosion, and how several firefighters were impacted by it. However, one of them was trapped 30 to 40 feet inside the structure.

Reinaldo explained that, after the collapse, they had no contact with the trapped firefighter, since the instability of the building hampered their rescue efforts.

However, rescuers were hopeful that he would be found alive as rescue teams tried for hours to reach the place where he was believed to be trapped.

The officer also explained that the 37-year-old firefighter died while fighting a four-alarm fire and that by trying to put it out with torches, he was able to cause a phenomenon known as countercurrent.

Backdraft occurs when a fire burns inside a space for a long time and absorbs all the oxygen. You can almost put out a fire, but when air is quickly drawn into that space, such as when a door or window is opened, can fuel a burst of fire.

He also reported that fire completely destroyed DC Theatricks, a costume store, whose address was listed as 747 Main.

Around 2 p.m. the scene turned grim and the firefighters outside saw an ambulance drive away, possibly with their partner inside, and fell silent, waving at it.

As soon as the news broke that a firefighter had died in this fire, New York authorities turned to social networks to regret what happened.

Byron W. Brown, Mayor of Buffalo wrote on his Twitter account: “I am deeply saddened to report that a member of the Buffalo Fire Department lost his life while bravely fighting the four-alarm fire on Main Street in downtown Buffalo today. I ask everyone to keep the family and fellow firefighters in your prayers.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, also sent a message on Twitter. It read: “I am heartbroken by this devastating tragedy in Buffalo. My prayers are with the loved ones of the brave fallen firefighter and the entire Buffalo Fire Department.”