A second firefighter who fought a blaze inside a group of rowhouses in northwest Baltimore died Wednesday, according to Kevin Cartwright, a spokesman for the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Cartwright said Lt. Dillon J. Rinaldo of Engine Company No. 46 had been hospitalized since Thursday because of injuries he sustained while battling a West Baltimore fire.

Rinaldo was helping fellow firefighter Rodney W. Pitts III. Pitts died on the night of the fire, while four others — Rinaldo included — were hospitalized for injuries and serious burns, Cartwright said.

Rinaldo was a six-year veteran of the Baltimore City Fire Department, Cartwright said.

The fire occurred on Oct. 19, when firefighters reported heavy fire conditions inside a two-story rowhouse on the 5200 block of Linden Heights Avenue at about 3:45 p.m. The fire had intensified as it spread to three other rowhouses and the incident commander ordered more units to the scene.

Advertisement

Officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation and did not say whether any rowhouse was occupied.

Mayor Brandon Scott released a statement Wednesday saying his office was “devastated by the loss of Lieutenant Dillon J. Rinaldo after battling his injuries sustained last week.”

A Facebook post from the Baltimore City “Pigtown” Firefighters described Rinaldo as a hard-working and dedicated firefighter who put himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety of others.

“Dillon was one of the good guys. A hard working and dedicated member of the Baltimore City Fire Department. His bravery and commitment will never be forgotten,” the post said.

Baltimore City Fire Department Chief James Wallace praised Rinaldo’s willingness to put others before himself.

“He was a true hero, and his memory and legacy in Baltimore will live on as an inspiration to all public servants in our city,” Wallace said in a statement.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZLGkecydZK%2BZX2d9c3%2BOamdoamVkr6K406KkqKqVYrOqvsSfoKCgpJq%2Fbr7OsJ%2BoraOaerSxwqilnWWUmq61tI4%3D