Update, March 2, 2023: The fallen firefighter has been identified as Firefighter Jason Arno, 37, of Engine Company 2, a three-year member of the Buffalo (NY) Fire Department.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration notice, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Firefighter Jason Arno responded to a structure fire at the DC Theatricks Commercial Building on Main Street. While fighting the fire, there was a sudden blast that sent flames and smoke into the street. The fireball was caused by a backdraft. The situation quickly deteriorated and firefighters had to evacuate the collapsing interior. Firefighter Arno was reported missing shortly after. He became trapped and a Mayday was called. Firefighter Arno was found deceased in the building a short time later.
Update (3:30 p.m. Eastern, March 1, 2023): A Buffalo firefighter was killed during a four-alarm fire with collapse in the city’s downtown today.
According to the Buffalo News, the unidentified firefighter was killed in a fire on Main Street that may have been sparked by work being done on the structure with blowtorches. The explosion seen in various videos on social media was attributed to a backdraft.
Original story: A Buffalo (NY) firefighter was unaccounted for after a four-alarm fire in the city’s downtown early Wednesday, according to reports.
According to the Buffalo News, the fire occurred at 10:08 a.m. on the 700 block of Main Street, and destroyed DC Theatricks, a costume shop.
Fire Commissioner William Renaldo told reporters that there was a Mayday call and an interior collapse of the structure. One firefighter was trapped in the collapse, caught about 30 to 40 feet inside the partly collapsed structure.
7 News shared some fireground video from the scene.
This story will be updated.
