Two firefighters were killed Sunday afternoon while battling a blaze at an apartment complex near downtown Toledo, Ohio, the Associated Press reported.
Stephen A. Machcinski, 42, and James Dickman, 31, died of injuries sustained while fighting a fire in a six-unit building located on 528 Magnolia St., The Toledo Blade reported. The firefighters were trapped inside the burning building.
"After what could be described as valiant efforts" the two firefighters were pulled from the building and "immediate ... life-saving'' attempts were made, Toledo Fire Department Chief Luis Santiago told reporters at a news conference held Sunday night.
A battalion chief told WTOL-TV the firefighters were attacking the blaze when they became disoriented.
The two were then taken to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center where they were pronounced dead.
Machcinski was a 16-year veteran, while Dickman was appointed in September 2013, according to Toledo Fire Department.
Santiago said the fire department will fully investigate the blaze, which was reported around 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Maneesha Pandey, a deputy coroner for Lucas County, told The Toledo Blade that autopsies are scheduled for Monday.
Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins asked businesses and residents to fly flags at half-staff throughout the city on Monday, The AP reported.
''Please keep these families, the extended families of police officers and firefighters, the administration and the leadership in your prayers,'' Collins said at a news conference. ''The next few days are going to be really challenging.''
The seven tenants in six apartments in the building on Magnolia Street are believed to be OK, a Ray Abouarab, the building's owner, told The Toledo Blade.
Amanda Aldrich, a spokeswoman for the Red Cross of Northwest Ohio, said the fire displaced five adults from four apartment units and an adult and two children from a house next door.
