The deaths of three Baltimore firefighters who died whereas extinguishing a hearth at a vacant dwelling in January have been dominated homicides.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Discipline Division categorised the fireplace as incendiary.

The three firefighters had been responding to the fireplace on January 24 simply earlier than 6 a.m. when the constructing collapsed shortly after they entered it, native station WBFF reported.

The deaths of Lieutenant Paul Butrim and firefighter/paramedics Kenneth Lacayo and Kelsey Sadler, who was posthumously promoted to lieutenant, sparked shock and grief, whereas the fireplace itself was pinpointed as one of many deadliest within the metropolis's historical past, Newsweek beforehand reported.

It was not instantly clear what findings led to the incendiary classification, which the ATF outlined in a press launch as a "fireplace that's deliberately ignited or unfold into an space the place the fireplace shouldn't be, and entails a violation of federal, state, native or tribal legislation."

"Incendiary fires may embrace fires that aren't essentially intentional, however instantly end result from different felony exercise," the discharge added.

Baltimore Firefighters Case
The deaths of three Baltimore firefighters who died whereas trying to extinguish a hearth at a vacant dwelling in January have been dominated homicides. Above, firefighters salute because the funeral procession leaves the memorial service for the three fallen Baltimore Metropolis Fireplace Division firefighters on the Baltimore Conference Heart on February 2.Drew Angerer/Getty Photographs

The ATF added that an individual of curiosity within the case has been recognized and that the investigation is ongoing, so the company won't launch extra info presently.

"We want to thank members of the group who contacted ATF and our companions with info, in addition to for his or her outpouring of assist for Baltimore Metropolis Fireplace Division and the family members of those fallen heroes," ATF Baltimore Particular Agent in Cost Toni M. Crosby mentioned within the assertion. "The incendiary classification is a vital step ahead on this investigation. We are going to proceed to work alongside our companions to make sure a whole and thorough investigation is accomplished."

The ATF Baltimore Discipline Division declined to offer any extra info to Newsweek on the case or on what particulars led to the incendiary classification.

Autopsies decided that the firefighters died from accidents they acquired whereas working to extinguish the fireplace, WBFF reported.

A fourth responder, firefighter/EMT John McMasters, was additionally trapped within the vacant dwelling when it collapsed, however others had been capable of pull him out. He was transported to Shock Trauma, handled after which launched, the ATF launch mentioned.

After the three firefighters misplaced their lives, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in remembrance.

"I name on all Marylanders to honor the reminiscences of those courageous souls, and pray for his or her households and fellow firefighters," Hogan mentioned in a assertion.

Two different current fires that attracted nationwide consideration didn't declare any victims. A Rhode Island household was capable of escape their burning dwelling late final month after their canine alerted them, whereas aged residents needed to evacuate a Dallas senior dwelling facility final week in a hearth that noticed two firefighters hospitalized however no deaths.

Newsweek reached out to the Baltimore Police Division for added info and feedback.

Replace 4/13/22, 3:55 p.m. ET: This story was up to date with extra info and background.