A new report from the Baltimore County (MD) Fire Department examines the death of Firefighter Gene Kirchner of the Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company, who died from injuries he sustained in a fire last April.
The report, which can be downloaded HERE, details the events of April 24, in which people were reported trapped at a fire at 19 Hanover Road. Firefighter Kirchner and his partner entered the dwelling to search for those trapped; minutes later, Engine 56 found Firefighter Kirchner in a bedroom without his facepiece, hood, or helmet. He was removed from the IDLH atmosphere and transported to a medical center, and ultimately expired of his injuries on May 2. One civilian victim also died in the fire.
MD Firefighter Dies After Being Injured in Deadly Fire
The report includes a detailed retelling of the fireground events that lead up to Firefighter Kirchner’s death; a consolidated list of recommendations on how to avert such a tragedy again; and insights into the investigative process.
Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company Chief Robert Murray, Sr. told WBAR that another report on the incident is due out from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the next few weeks.
