Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace

Baltimore City fire chief James Wallace talks about how he keeps his department safe from dangerous situations, and why homeowners should be mindful of heating elements especially during winter.

“We don’t have a sense of when it may happen again, we don’t have a sense of what to do differently,” Councilman Mark Conway said.

“They need a break, so we need to come in seamlessly and assume that role as telecommunicator for the 911 system,” said Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace.

Lt. Dillon Rinaldo fought for his life in the hospital for six days before he succumbed to injuries sustained during the blaze.

“He wasn’t selfish. You can see he sacrificed his life so other people could live.”

One firefighter is in critical condition and another remains hospitalized; two others have been released from hospital.

A two-alarm fire at a two-story brick rowhome in the 5200 block of Linden Heights Avenue on Thursday resulted in the death of a firefighter and several injuries.

If confirmed, he will succeed Chief Niles Ford who resigned after investigation found faults in department management leading up to the 2022 Stricker Street fire that killed three firefighters.