Crime & Safety
A City Mourns As it Prepares to Say Goodbye to Hero Firefighters
Investigation continues as to what caused the fatal fire.
By Liz Taurasi
Days after two firefighters gave the ultimate sacrifice and more than a dozen first responders were injured battling a 9-alarm fire in Boston’s Back Bay this week, the city and the state are mourning the loss of two local heroes.
Boston Fire Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy both died battling the blaze when they became trapped in the basement of the four-story brownstone. The fire, which started at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, quickly went to nine alarms in less than 45 minutes. Heavy winds fueled the massive fire and Walsh and Kennedy perished.
Lt. Walsh was from Engine Company 33; Firefighter Kennedy was with Ladder Company 15.
The investigation into the source of the fire is ongoing. Fire officials are looking into the possibility the building’s heating system was the cause of Wednesday’s inferno. Officials are also reviewing the structure’s electrical system and determining if any smokers lived in the building.
The city has come together honoring Walsh and Kennedy in the days following the fatal fire. Flags across the state are at half staff. Memorials continue to grow at the firehouse where they both worked and hundreds of residents throughout the city of Boston lined the streets Thursday night as both firemen made the journey to the funeral home in their hometown of West Roxbury. Groups of friends, family, colleagues and residents throughout the state continue to honor their memories with vigils and small ceremonies across the commonwealth.
Services for Walsh and Kennedy will be next week.
Related Stories:
- 2 Firefighters Killed, 18 Hurt in 9-Alarm Back Bay Fire
- Back Bay Fire: Live Updates, Photos
- Fallen Boston Firefighters Identified
- Firefighter with Watertown Roots Dies in Back Bay Blaze
- Investigation into Fatal Back Bay Fire Continues
- Live Updates: Procession for Fallen Firefighters
- Tom Brady Witnesses Boston Fire, Calls Firefighters ‘Heroes’
- Investigation into Fatal Back Bay Fire Continues
- Memorial Fund Established for Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy
- Somber Tribute at Logan for Fallen Firefighter's Family
- Memorials Pour in for Fallen Boston Firefighters
- Lt. Walsh, FF Kennedy Were West Roxbury Residents, Natives
- Candlelight Vigil Planned in West Roxbury for Fallen Firefighters
- Boston Bruins Honor Fallen Firefighters
- Students Sing ‘Amazing Grace’ for Firefighters
- Boston Officials to Honor Firefighters at City Hall Friday
- Friends, Colleagues Honor Fallen Firefighter with Finger Mustache Tattoos
- Remembering, Honoring Lt. Ed Walsh, FF Mike Kennedy
- Funeral Services Announced for Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Mike Kennedy
- Motorcade to Carry Lt. Ed Walsh from Boston to Watertown
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