ATF Investigating Blaze That Killed Springfield Man

SPRINGFIELD, PA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' National Response Team and members of the ATF Philadelphia Arson Task Force are joining the investigation into the Saturday morning fire in North Philadelphia that killed 42-year-old Matthew LeTourneau of Springfield. Funeral arrangements have been set for LeTourneau, as well.

According to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials, National Response Team (NRT) crews were called to the 2200 block of Colorado Street Monday, Jan. 8 to investigate the fire that killed LeTourneau, a lieutenant with the Philadelphia Fire Department, and a civilian. as well as injured two other firefighters.

NRT crews will digitally map the house to create a "forensic blueprint" of the home, the ATF said.

Once that blueprint is established, officials will begin processing the fire scene to determine its origin and cause.

Investigators have not yet had access to the scene due to instability of the structure and Monday’s impending winter weather, the ATF said.

LeTourneau, 42, of Springfield, is a 1993 graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and a graduate of Delaware County Community College.

Two public viewings will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, followed by a funeral Mass.

The first viewing will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11 and the second from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12.

The funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12.

Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa. Arrangements by the O'Leary Funeral Home in Springfield.

"Our hearts are breaking," Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel said of LeTourneau's death. "And we are without words."

The City of Philadelphia will fly flags at half-staff for 30 days in memory of LeTourneau.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Lt. Matthew LeTournea," Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement. "I am grateful for his outstanding service to our city during his 11-year career. It is always a tragedy to lose a first responder in the line of duty. Lt. LeTourneau sacrificed his life trying to save others. Our firefighters demonstrate tremendous acts of heroism every single day. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."

According to the fire department, LeTourneau was an 11-year veteran of the department.

He previously served at Engine 43 and Engine 57, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.

In 2015, he received a unit citation in 2010 and a letter of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families, the fire department said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Lt. LeTourneau, who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting this fire," Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson, ATF Philadelphia Field Division, said in a statement. "We also extend our condolences to the Philadelphia Fire Department which has suffered a great loss."

Crews responded to a rowhouse fire at 8:51 a.m. on the 2200 block of Colorado Street and arrived on scene three minutes later, the fire department said.

The fire department said LeTourneau became pinned under debris in the home while fighting the fire. A civilian was also killed in Saturday's fire.

Two other firefighters were injured in the blaze, according to the fire department.

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