Two Ohio Firefighters Dead After Apartment Complex Blaze Escalates; City of Toledo Mourns Loss of Community Members

A fire at an apartment complex in Ohio left two firefighters dead on Sunday, according to city authorities.

42-year-old Stephen Machcinski and 31-year-old James Dickman of the Toledo Fire Department died while battling the blaze, according to the department's chief Luis Santiago, who spoke during a news conference Sunday evening.

According to Santiago, Machcinski, who worked on the force for 16 years, and Dickman, a six-month freshman, were stationed together at the same firehouse in Toledo.

Officials received reports of the fire at around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. According to the Associated Press, the complex, located on Magnolia Street near the Huron Market, is home to seven tenants in six different apartments.

None of the tenants suffered any life-threatening injuries.

Lucas County Deputy Coroner Dr. Maneesha Pandey stated the two deceased men are scheduled for autopsies on Monday, according to a report by the Toledo Blade.

A group of firefighters were reportedly battling the flames on Sunday when they suddenly became confused, according to a battalion chief who talked to WTOL-TV reporters.

The two deceased were wounded inside the building. Other members of the team made "valiant efforts" to try and resuscitate the men.

When life-saving measures didn't reap results, the two were immediately transferred to mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, where they were later pronounced dead.

"Everyone is just numb right now," vice president of Toledo Firefighters Local 92 Dan Desmond told the Toledo Blade.

Mayor of Toledo D. Michael Collins set the city's flags at half-mast on Monday.

"Please keep these families, the extended families of police officers and firefighters, the administration and the leadership in your prayers," Collins said during a conference with the press. "The next few days are going to be really challenging."

Real Time Analytics