11/28/2025
November 28, 1996 - LODD
Firefighter Edward F. Ramos, 36 - Engine 5
Branford Volunteer Fire Department. Branford, CT
During an interior attack on a two-alarm arson fire in a one-story masonry carpet warehouse, all firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building as a heavy body of fire was found in the cockloft and conditions began to deteriorate. As the men left the building, three firefighters became trapped when the roof suddenly collapsed, blocking their egress. However, the incident commander was aware of only two men missing, as a volunteer firefighter had entered the structure without his knowledge. Search and rescue teams were able to get one of the men out of the building, and the second one was found suffering with severe smoke inhalation after his helmet and mask were knocked off in the collapse. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. After it was assumed that all the trapped men had been accounted for, it was discovered that Firefighter Ramos was missing. Rescue crews were reassembled, but forced to leave as drums stored in the building began to explode. Firefighter Ramos' body was found four hours later. The face piece of his mask was knocked loose, and he died of smoke inhalation. After an investigation, it was found that the owner of the building, Gene Bontatibus, had set the fire. He was charged arson, and arson murder.
