No, you didn't. You said you doubted his statement because you suspected he was exaggerating:
No, you didn't:
You added the back-pedaling "mistaken" addendum only after I pointed out to you what a colossally stupid thing you said.
And then there's the preposterous notion that several professional firefighters would be "mistaken" about the scope of the fires burning in the building directly in front of them. On top of failing to notice a giant mechanical smoke generator. Exactly how stupid do you think the FDNY is?
Yes, it is. An exaggeration is a lie. You accused him of exaggerating (and by association, every other firefighter making similar claims). Therefore you accused him of lying.