On Aug. 2, 1978, a fire at a Brooklyn Waldbaum’s supermarket claimed the lives of six firefighters.
Twelve firefighters who were working on the roof plunged into the seat of the fire when the roof suddenly collapsed 32 minutes after the first company arrived. Six of the firefighters fell to the floor and were seriously injured.
The other six were hung up in the truss area between trusses 4 and 6, and ultimately died from severe burn injuries. Lt. James E. Cutillo, Battalion 33 (working in Ladder 156) Firefighter Charles S. Bouton, Ladder 156. Probationary Firefighter William O’Connor, Ladder 156 Firefighter James P. McManus, Ladder 153 Firefighter George Rice, Ladder 153 Firefighter Harold F. Hastings, Battalion 42.
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