Authorities on Thursday recognized the Buffalo firefighter killed in an explosive fireplace at a downtown constructing as Jason Arno, a 37-year-old married father. “This is a heartbreaking time for our metropolis,” Mayor Byron Brown mentioned in an announcement. “Jason Arno confirmed his bravery and dedication to the hearth service by donning his uniform and fulfilling his sworn obligation to guard and serve the individuals of this metropolis… Tragically, he misplaced his life whereas defending others.”
Fire Commissioner William Renaldo instructed reporters Wednesday that Arno’s physique emerged from the brick constructing hours after he was reported lacking after an emergency evacuation order was issued early within the fireplace and 4 alarms have been sounded. flip up. Arno was 30 to 40 toes (9 to 12 meters) inside when the partial collapse occurred, he mentioned.
“We do not know precisely how he handed away. We know he was in that rapid breakdown zone,” Reynaldo mentioned. “A 911 name was made and the remaining of our firefighters, the rescuers on the scene, needed to evacuate the constructing instantly. Unfortunately, they have been unable to rescue him on the time.” Reynaldo mentioned the hearth might have been smoldering for a while, it was seen, believed to have sparked an explosive tailwind that firefighters have been exterior the constructing and snatched from his toes. Video confirmed flames erupting from the bottom ground of the constructing earlier than the explosion despatched particles flying and firefighters engulfed in a cloud of ash.
“If the hearth has been floating for some time and you all of a sudden add oxygen, it is mainly sucked into the constructing and blown again,” Reynaldo mentioned.
The trigger of the hearth continues to be beneath investigation, however Reynaldo mentioned staff had used blowtorches on the surface of the constructing earlier than the blaze, and the warmth might have been transferred inside by bricks or mortar, lit paper or different flamable supplies. The constructing, which was a theater costume retailer, was unoccupied on the time of the hearth, Reynaldo mentioned.
Arno was a firefighter for 3 years. “Father, husband, son, brother and buddy. Our deepest condolences to his household and those that cherished and knew him,” the Buffalo Fire Department union mentioned in a social media put up. “We, the proud City of Buffalo Firefighters, will honor our fallen.”
Brown referred to as for the town’s landmarks to be lit up in Arnold’s honor starting Thursday. Flags throughout the town have been flown at half mast.
