Baltimore Fire Report Finds Critical Failures in Deadly 2023 Blaze

Two firefighters died battling the October 2023 fire, and investigators say equipment and training gaps were to blame.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a firefighter's damaged breathing apparatus, with the harsh lighting and stark black background creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic.The report's findings on critical equipment failures underscore the dangers firefighters face in the line of duty.Baltimore Today

A long-awaited 300-page report into a fatal Baltimore City fire in 2023 has found critical failures in equipment and training that contributed to the deaths of two firefighters. The report details how the firefighters' breathing equipment and protective gear failed within minutes of them entering the burning rowhome, and that they had not been trained on a key firefighting technique.

Why it matters

The findings of this comprehensive report are expected to lead to significant changes in the Baltimore Fire Department's equipment, training, and safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The deaths of Capt. Dillon Rinaldo and firefighter/EMT Rodney Pitts sparked mourning across the city and raised urgent questions about firefighter safety.

The details

According to the report, the failures began less than four minutes after Capt. Rinaldo and firefighter Pitts entered the burning rowhome on Linden Heights Avenue in October 2023. Their face pieces and air supply hoses failed, and their protective gear also degraded rapidly during the fire. Investigators also found that neither firefighter had been trained on the 'flow and move' technique, which is now being added to the department's training curriculum.

  • The fatal fire occurred in October 2023.
  • The 300-page report was released in April 2026.

The players

Capt. Dillon Rinaldo

A Baltimore City firefighter who died battling the October 2023 fire.

Firefighter/EMT Rodney Pitts

A Baltimore City firefighter who died battling the October 2023 fire.

Baltimore Fire Department

The fire department responsible for investigating the October 2023 fire and implementing changes to prevent similar incidents.

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What they’re saying

“The findings of this report are devastating, but we are committed to making the necessary changes to ensure no other firefighters lose their lives in the line of duty.”

— Fire Chief Tanya Simmons, Baltimore Fire Department

What’s next

The Baltimore Fire Department has already started implementing some of the report's recommendations, including adding the 'flow and move' technique to its training curriculum. The department is also working to upgrade equipment and review safety protocols to prevent similar equipment failures in the future.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has exposed critical gaps in the Baltimore Fire Department's equipment and training that contributed to the deaths of two brave firefighters. The comprehensive report and the department's commitment to making necessary changes are crucial steps to honor the fallen and ensure the safety of all firefighters in the city.