WASHINGTON — A D.C. firefighter died Wednesday morning after collapsing while battling a 2-alarm downtown high-rise fire.
NBC Washington reported that Lt. Kevin McRae, 44, went into cardiac arrest on scene and CPR was started immediately. He was transported to a hospital and was later pronounced dead.
Sources told WJLA.com that Lt. McRae, a 25-year veteran of the department, was the cousin of James McRae, who was the last D.C. firefighter to die in the line of duty in 2007.
He leaves behind his wife and three children.
“They’re devastated, as is his other family, which is his department and his crew,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said. “He rose through the ranks as a cadet and he’s mentored a lot of firefighters.”
A second firefighter was hurt and suffered non-life threatening injuries.
On scene, flames and heavy smoke could be seen shooting from several windows near the top floor.
Two other people were hurt in the apartment building fire.
More than 50 firefighters responded to the fire. Firefighters from neighboring Prince George’s County were sent into the District to staff empty fire stations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.