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Firefighter dies in downtown Buffalo fire

Mon, Mar 6th 2023 12:10 pm

Mayor Bryon Brown confirms death of a Buffalo firefighter after four-alarm fire on Main Street in downtown Buffalo

By Jy’Ahzhannae Taylor

Special to Niagara Frontier Publications

"I am deeply saddened to report that a member of the Buffalo Fire Department has lost his life while bravely fighting the four-alarm fire on Main Street in Downtown Buffalo today," Mayor Bryon Brown shared this statement on his Twitter.

Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo told the press that the firefighters responded to the fire in downtown Buffalo around 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 1. The firefighters hosed the building until a massive explosion occurred, which caused the firefighters to be knocked over and covered in ash. Firefighters were unable to regain control of the hose.

The explosion led to a structural collapse, which caused a firefighter to be classified as missing under the debris and rubble. Unfortunately, the firefighter was pronounced dead on Wednesday afternoon.

Renaldo said the cause of the fire is under investigation. Published reports said employees of the building were seen using torches on the building's exterior.

Former U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs owned the building, which was being renovated.

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This is a Niagara University student-created piece completed as part of the course CMS 226A. For more information, contact the Niagara Frontier Publications’ managing editor.

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