Baltimore Fire: Linden Heights fatal fire deemed accidental, cause unknown

Kiersten Hacker, Baltimore Sun on Oct 12, 2024

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BALTIMORE — Almost one year since two firefighters were killed after battling a blaze on Linden Heights Avenue, the fire has been classified as accidental, according to a news release from the Baltimore City Fire Department.

A fire broke out on Oct. 19, 2023, tearing through a group of rowhomes. Two firefighters, 31-year-old Rodney Pitts III, of Baltimore, and 26-year-old Dillon J. Rinaldo were killed and four others were injured.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms found that the fire at 5210 Linden Heights Avenue began in the rear addition on the first floor. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, which also investigated, found no violation of applicable laws or regulations.

“The loss of our colleagues in the Linden Heights fire is a profound tragedy that deeply affects our entire department and the community,” Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said in a statement. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and it is heartbreaking when such sacrifice results in loss.”

The cause of the fire remains unknown, despite finding its origin. ATF investigators were able to rule out an electrical system failure or improperly disposed smoking materials, according to the fire department.

“While it has been determined the fire was accidental in nature, the impact it caused is no less tragic,” Toni M. Crosby, ATF special agent in charge of the Baltimore Field Division, said in the release. “Our hearts continue to be with the firefighter’s families and friends and our partners at Baltimore City Fire Department.”

A 2011 graduate of Digital Harbor High School, Pitts started as a firefighter and EMT in August 2023 after joining the city fire department the year before. He was on Engine 29 stationed in Park Heights.

Rinaldo came to Baltimore to pursue his goal of becoming a career firefighter, leaving the fire department in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, which he joined as a junior firefighter while in high school and where his father served as chief.

The Linden Heights fire occurred while the city was still reeling from the fire inside a vacant home in the 200 block of S. Stricker Street that left three firefighters dead in 2022.

“The thoughts of BCFD are with the families of those who were killed and injured and their bravery is honored,” the release said. The fire department “remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.”