Judge Dismisses Lawsuit in Fatal Baltimore Rowhouse Fire

Families of firefighters killed in 2022 blaze unable to prove city's liability, court rules.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the families of three Baltimore firefighters who died while battling a fire in a vacant rowhouse in 2022. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox ruled that while the allegations are 'tragic and alarming,' they were not enough to support the claims against the city.

Why it matters

The deadly fire on South Stricker Street raised questions about the city's handling of unsafe properties and communication with firefighters. The dismissal of the lawsuit is a setback for the families seeking accountability, though the attorneys could still refile the case.

The details

Lt. Kelsey Sadler, Lt. Paul Butrim and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo were killed on Jan. 24, 2022, after the home partially collapsed. EMT/firefighter John McMaster was seriously injured. The lawsuit alleged the city had ended a program to flag unsafe buildings and failed to warn firefighters about the property's history, sending them into a 'death trap.' However, the judge ruled the allegations were not sufficient to support the claims against the city.

  • The fire occurred on January 24, 2022.
  • The lawsuit was filed in 2025 in Baltimore Circuit Court.
  • The case was moved to U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
  • In 2024, U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox initially threw out the lawsuit.
  • On February 20, 2026, Judge Maddox issued a 30-page opinion dismissing the lawsuit for a second time.

The players

Matthew J. Maddox

U.S. District Judge who dismissed the lawsuit against the city of Baltimore.

Kelsey Sadler

Baltimore firefighter lieutenant who was killed in the 2022 fire.

Paul Butrim

Baltimore firefighter lieutenant who was killed in the 2022 fire.

Kenny Lacayo

Baltimore EMT/firefighter who was killed in the 2022 fire.

John McMaster

Baltimore EMT/firefighter who was seriously injured in the 2022 fire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While the allegations are tragic and alarming, they are not enough to support the claims by the families of the victims.”

— Matthew J. Maddox, U.S. District Judge (thebanner.com)

What’s next

The lawyers representing the families could still refile the case, though the judge's ruling is a setback for their efforts to hold the city accountable.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of proving government liability in tragic incidents like the South Stricker Street fire, even when there are questions about the city's handling of unsafe properties and communication with first responders.