Caught on video: Collapse at Maryland fire injures 8 firefighters
Video above by Paolo Spada.
Listen to mayday radio traffic from collapse that trapped firefighters
An overnight three alarm town house fire in Germantown has sent several firefighters to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, crews were called to a town house fire in the 19300 blk of Churubusco Lane around 1:00 a.m.
Firefighters encountered heavy fire upon arrival and the blaze quickly went to 2nd and 3rd alarms. Piringer says much of the structure collapsed as fire crews worked to put out the flames.
Several firefighters, eight in all, were injured and had to be transported to local hospitals. One firefighter suffered serious injuries. The other seven firefighters were transported with minor injuries. All of the injured personnel are expected to recover. Some have already been treated and released. Officials said most injuries were a result of the collapse. Some were trapped, however were removed very quickly.
All residents were able to escape the blaze uninjured. Piringer says three families, around 20 people plus pets, have been displaced.
