A rough holiday weekend: One firefighter dead and quite a few injured.
This holiday weekend there have been a number of reports of seriously injured firefighters and a firefighter killed during a large fire in Texas. Here are four incidents that have been brought to our attention.
Fire captain killed, two firefighters injured in Boling, Texas: We told you yesterday about the death of Captain Thomas Araguz III of the Wharton Fire Department. It happened during a large fire at an egg processing plant. At a briefing yesterday Jay Evans from the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office said, “They were in about 150 feet when the heat and fire really did rapidly intensify. It was at that time two firefighters made an escape”. Click here for yesterday’s coverage of the fire and here to read and watch the latest on the fire and Captain Araguz.
Pictures as burned Minneapolis firefighter bails from attic: On Saturday two Minneapolis firefighters were burned during a house fire on 17th Avenue SE. Here’s how KARE-TV describes what happened:
Officials say several firefighters were in the attic cutting through a wall when oxygen fueled the fire and caused a burst of flames that flashed over and engulfed the third floor.
That forced one of the firefighters out a window, falling one level onto an overhang. The man’s partner also suffered major burns. He escaped through the interior of the home.
Fire photographer Steve Skaar was on the scene when it happened and captured the series of pictures as one firefighter dropped from the attic to a porch roof. Make sure you check out his photos and description.
Both Captain Dennis Mack, a 19 year veteran, and Firefighter Jacob LaFerriere, a 9 year veteran, have second and third degree burns and are being treated at a burn unit.
Firefighters burned setting up fireworks display: In Idaho, three firefighters from the Mountain Home Fire Department were burned while setting up the town’s annual fireworks display at a local golf course on Saturday. One of the fireworks exploded in the hands of a firefighter. All had been initially treated and released, but the firefighter holding the shell had first, second and third degree burns and was expected to go to a burn center for more treament. Read and watch the story.
Delaware firefighter revived: As crowds were returning from fireworks in Dewey Beach late Sunday night there was a call for a house fire. WGMD reports It turned out to be some bushes set on fire by consumer fireworks. But at the scene a Seaford firefighter went into cardiac arrest. Bike medics were able to get through the traffic and continue treament started by fellow firefighters. After being shocked twice, the 60-something man regained a pulse. Read more.
