BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo Firefighter has been rushed from the scene of a fire on the city's East Side. Flames quickly tore through a home at 41 Frankfort avenue near Moselle 11:30 Thursday morning.
The family inside did escape, but one fire fighter suffered from heat exhaustion.
Our crews captured the firefighter being placed on a stretcher and rushed to a waiting ambulance.
BREAKING: Buffalo fire on scene of a 2 alarm fire on Frankfort Avenue. One firefighter has been transported to ECMC. Police advise motorists to avoid the area & use alternate routes.
— Buffalo Police Dept (@BPDAlerts) July 11, 2019
Division fire chief Daniel Bossi says a first year fire fighter from Engine 22 lost consciousness.
"Everything we gathered from the situation – he was on his way out – he was talking and then he just collapsed in the stair case – they carried him out – brought him to the ambulance, brought him to the hospital. By the time he got to the ambulance – he was up and talking again," Bossi told reporters at the scene.
Flames created intense condition, challenging fire crews on an already hot and humid day. The fire fighter was taken to ECMC. Five other fire fighters were also checked for heat exhaustion, but were not sent to the hospital.
20-year-old Tracy Jones sat with is mother and nephew on a neighbors porch across the street watching after escaping the home. He says the ran out of the home after hearing the smoke detector.
"We more than likely would have been dead by the roof caving in on our heads. When i walked out of the house – I seen the attic and upstairs covered in flames," Jones recalled.
Jones says the flames quickly spread through the second floor into the attic.
"Material possessions can be replaced, but lives can't i'm just luck that me, my mother and my nephew we're alive and well," said Jones.
The fire chief says the home is a total lost and will call for an emergency demolition.
Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said 15 city firefighters were hurt battling three, two-alarm blaze since Wednesday evening. The other fires occurring on Johnson Street and Beard Avenue.
"Mostly heat exhaustion, a number of strains, sprains, some minor burns and at least one eye injury as well," explained Renaldo.
A majority have been treated and released from the hospital.
The commissioner noted the hot, humid weather makes it more difficult for fire crews.
"They carry around 75 to 85 pounds of gear - so with the heat and humidity it takes a toll," said Renaldo.
The fire fighter suffering heat exhaustion at the Frankfort home is a rookie, but the commissioner said newer personnel are under closer supervision and safety procedures are always in place. However, he the department will look into all factors in assessing the situation.
