State and Buffalo Fire Department reports cite accountability lapses, interior ops failures, an untrained acting officer and delays in defensive ops in death of Firefighter Jason Arno

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Newly released reports detail multiple failures, including four missed mayday calls, in the Buffalo Fire Department’s response to the March 1, 2023, Main Street blaze that killed Firefighter Jason Arno.

The fire was ruled accidental, attributed to blowtorch sparks, according to the Erie County District Attorney.

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The New York State Department of Labor report cited “inadequate accountability, non-functioning firefighting equipment, failure to follow interior firefighting procedures,” and other issues unrelated to OSHA standards, WIVB reported.

The Buffalo Fire Department’s review added that apparatus placement, though not a direct cause of Arno’s death, delayed the defensive operation because rigs had to be moved outside the collapse zone.

The report also found that Arno’s engine company was commanded by an untrained acting officer.

Excessive radio traffic drowned out four of Arno’s maydays as evacuation orders went out; no one radioed him after he went down, and no emergency headcount (PAR) was conducted after crews exited.

Former Buffalo fire commissioner Mike Lombardo (2006–2010) filed an expert affirmation stating, “I conclude, to a reasonable degree of fire science certainty, that the City of Buffalo and/or the City of Buffalo Fire Department were negligent … which caused the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Arno.”

Mayor Chris Scanlon said he is reviewing the report’s findings and will ensure the department implements all safety recommendations, including additional training, an overhaul of the operations manual and the purchase of new thermal imagers.

The Jason Arno Memorial Foundation and attorney Sarah Tierney declined to comment on the pending case.

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