Baltimore Fire Chief Resigns After Deaths Of 3 Firefighters

BALTIMORE, MD — Niles Ford, who served as Baltimore's fire chief for the past eight years, resigned Friday following the release of a city report connected to the January 2022 deaths of three firefighters.

In a statement accompanying the report, Mayor Brandon Scott said he accepted Ford's resignation to "position (the Baltimore City Fire Department) for the necessary changes that are upon us." His resignation was effective immediately.

"I would like to thank Mr. Ford for his eight years of service leading the city's fire department," Scott said.

The report released Friday examined the city's responsibility for the deaths of Lt. Paul Butrim, Lt. Kelsey Sadler, and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo, all of whom died when a vacant home in the 200 block of South Stricker Street collapsed as they battled a blaze from inside, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The study was conducted by a panel comprised of members from the Baltimore, Prince George's County, Howard County and District of Columbia fire departments.

The 182-page report determined a "sense of rivalry and competitive culture" in the city’s fire department is a problem, yet it stopped short of blaming that culture for the deaths, according to the Sun.

"There’s some stuff that remains which I just can’t accept," Scott said in an interview with the Sun. "This is about us moving forward and turning the page."

In his statement, Scott appointed a group of Baltimore fire commanders to serve as interim chief. The group consists of Assistant Chief Charles Svehla, Assistant Chief Chris Caisse and Assistant Chief Dante Stewart.

Read the full report online