Vacant & Condemned Buildings
Vacant buildings burn in the City of Baltimore at twice the national average, with many buildings being host to repeat fires. The Baltimore City Fire Department has experienced five line of duty deaths and at least four injuries in the span of two years (2022-2023). All of these fires involved a vacant and or condemned property. In many cases, these properties are difficult to secure meaning they are further compromised by consistent exposure to the elements or to vandalism, squatting, and/or criminal activity such as arson.
FF Kenny Lacayo was killed when the dilapidated structure of 205 S. Stricker Street in Baltimore City collapsed while he and his officer, Kelsey Sadler, were conducting suppression activities. This fire also claimed the life of Lt. Paul Butrim and seriously injured a 4th firefighter. 205 S. Stricker Street had been vacant and open to the elements for years, creating unsafe conditions that exposed firefighters to an especially life-threatening environment.
According to the City of Baltimore, as of February 15, 2022, there were 14,989 vacant properties within the city.
Phoenix Advocates will:
This is a huge undertaking. We are currently evaluating options and speaking with other organizations to determine how we can be the most effective and efficient in our efforts. Please contact us if you are interested in partnering with us.
FF Kenny Lacayo was killed when the dilapidated structure of 205 S. Stricker Street in Baltimore City collapsed while he and his officer, Kelsey Sadler, were conducting suppression activities. This fire also claimed the life of Lt. Paul Butrim and seriously injured a 4th firefighter. 205 S. Stricker Street had been vacant and open to the elements for years, creating unsafe conditions that exposed firefighters to an especially life-threatening environment.
According to the City of Baltimore, as of February 15, 2022, there were 14,989 vacant properties within the city.
Phoenix Advocates will:
- Support the demolition or conversion of vacant and condemned properties
- Raise awareness of the risks these properties create for the fire service
- Encourage changes in SOPs and fire service culture
This is a huge undertaking. We are currently evaluating options and speaking with other organizations to determine how we can be the most effective and efficient in our efforts. Please contact us if you are interested in partnering with us.