Veteran Baltimore firefighter in critical condition after medical emergency during fire
Two Baltimore City firefighters were injured, one of them critically, while battling a fire downtown on Monday, according to fire officials.
One of the firefighters was in critical condition Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency and falling down a ladder.
The incident occurred as crews were responding to a fire in a three-story building on West Saratoga Street near Park Avenue.
Officials said Lt. Mark Dranbauer, 44, fell backward down the ladder, and crews had to remove him. He was transported to Shock Trauma and is in guarded condition.
According to a post from a family member on Facebook, Dranbauer is on life support at Shock Trauma.
"He was three-quarters of the way up that ladder, and I glanced away for a split second, and I looked back up, and he was tumbling backwards down the ladder, head over heels," said neighbor Richard Choyce, who witnessed the firefighter's injury.
Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said Dranbauer, a 23-year department veteran, was approximately 30 to 40 feet off the ground when he suffered the medical emergency.
"At this time, we believe he suffered a medical emergency while he was on the ladder," Wallace said. "As a result of that medical emergency, he fell backwards down the ladder but remained on the aerial ladder itself."
Chief Wallace praised the other members of the crew who jumped into immediate action to help Dranbauer.
"The Dranbauer family is a firefighting family, so he comes from that bloodline," Chief Wallace said.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott asked the city to hope for the firefighter's recovery.
"I'm going to ask all of Baltimore to pray for Lt. Dranbauer and his family," Mayor Scott said. "We are so grateful to the members of the fire department who were there to render that quick aid, and as the chief said, always grateful to Dr. Scalia and the team at Shock Trauma, who we know are the best trauma center in the world."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Massive warehouse fire prompts extensive response
The firefighter injury occurred hours before a massive fire broke out at a warehouse in West Baltimore. The fire prompted a response from more than 200 firefighters.
As of Tuesday morning, officials said the fire was contained to the building, which they believe stores mattresses and other items. Crews remained on scene in the 2200 block of West Lanvale Street Tuesday morning to address hotspots.
The fire also disrupted Amtrak service between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore Monday night, with some delays continuing into Tuesday.
"This is why we have the team that we have," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. "This is why we train for these moments, so that we can step up to the occasion."
Several agencies are investigating the cause of this fire.
Chromebook social media challenge poses fire risk
Maryland's Fire Marshal is warning parents and residents about a social media challenge involving Chromebooks that has been linked to fires and property damage.
As of May 5, Maryland fire officials have documented multiple cases of the "Chromebook Challenge."
The challenge involves putting metallic items or pencils into the charging port of a device, which causes it to short-circuit, authorities warned.
"You could be electrocuted, you could cause that lithium ion battery that's inside the computer to cause thermal runaway, and what that is is just a malfunction of the batter that leads to a pretty extensive fire, not only with the computer but any items nearby," said Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire.
Some of the cases have also led to disciplinary action at Maryland schools.
"We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts," Acting State Fire Marshall Jason Mowbray said. "It is crucial that parents and educators work together to promote a culture of safety and responsibility regarding electronic devices."
Courthouse fire prompts push for updated buildings
A fire at Baltimore's Mitchell Courthouse has sounded the alarm on the urgency for updated city buildings.
The courthouse was evacuated on May 6 because of an electrical fire on the fourth floor, according to the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office. No injuries were reported.
According to Clerk Xavier Conaway, the fire interrupted the celebration and all court proceedings, including marriage ceremonies, hearings, and time-sensitive filings.
Conway said the evacuation also emphasized the ongoing concerns about infrastructure in Baltimore's historic courthouses.
"These kinds of disruptions come at a cost—not just in time and dollars, but in trust," Conaway said. "Whether someone is coming to court for protection, to record a property deed, or to get married, they deserve a safe, reliable public space."
