1958 F.W.D.
08-21-2004, 06:27 PM
It is with deep regret that the Phila. Fire Dept announces the line of duty deaths of Captain John Taylor, and Firefighter Rey Rubio, both of Engine Company 28, who perished while operating on box 1249 Belgrade & Pickwick Sts, AOF 3630 Belgrade St. :(
Charges Filed In Firefighter's Deaths
Cops: Fire Triggered From Pot Growing Lamps
Charged Man With Third-Degree Murder
Aug 21, 2004 2:48 pm US/Eastern
PHILADELPHIA (AP) A blaze that killed two firefighters Friday night began in a tangle of wires and high-powered lamps that a man had set up to grow marijuana in a basement closet, authorities said.
Fire Capt. John Taylor, 53, and firefighter Rey Rubio, 42, died when they were trapped by quick-moving flames as they tried to find the source of the smoky blaze in the home's cellar.
The man who police say was responsible for the drug operation has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham called suspect Daniel Brough "reckless," "foolish" and "greedy" for his role in the deaths.
Brough, 35, also faces charges of marijuana possession, involuntary manslaughter and causing a catastrophe.
Fire officials said the fire started in electrical circuits set up to run the heavy-duty lamps and fans used to nurture the marijuana plants, and spread more quickly because the hot lights had dried out the wood in the closet.
Taylor was a decorated 32-year veteran of the department. Rubio had been fighting fires for 12 years.
They appear to have died of smoke inhalation, officials said.
Charges Filed In Firefighter's Deaths
Cops: Fire Triggered From Pot Growing Lamps
Charged Man With Third-Degree Murder
Aug 21, 2004 2:48 pm US/Eastern
PHILADELPHIA (AP) A blaze that killed two firefighters Friday night began in a tangle of wires and high-powered lamps that a man had set up to grow marijuana in a basement closet, authorities said.
Fire Capt. John Taylor, 53, and firefighter Rey Rubio, 42, died when they were trapped by quick-moving flames as they tried to find the source of the smoky blaze in the home's cellar.
The man who police say was responsible for the drug operation has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham called suspect Daniel Brough "reckless," "foolish" and "greedy" for his role in the deaths.
Brough, 35, also faces charges of marijuana possession, involuntary manslaughter and causing a catastrophe.
Fire officials said the fire started in electrical circuits set up to run the heavy-duty lamps and fans used to nurture the marijuana plants, and spread more quickly because the hot lights had dried out the wood in the closet.
Taylor was a decorated 32-year veteran of the department. Rubio had been fighting fires for 12 years.
They appear to have died of smoke inhalation, officials said.