Hero Who Died After Helping People Escape Brighton Fire Identified

A man who helped people escape a burning building in Brighton on Thursday has been identified.

The man was found dead in the basement of a three-decker at 105 Murdock St. WHDH/7News identified him as 45-year-old Leo Silva.

The fire started after a short-circuit in a kitchen on the first floor, according to the Boston Fire Department. The fire hit four alarms; flames could be seen shooting out windows.

Silva went into the building multiple times to help people escape, Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn told WHDH.

“He certainly had an opportunity to get out,” Finn said.

Five firefighters suffered minor injuries in the blaze, which caused an estimated $850,000 worth of damage.

Photo credit: WHDH/7News