FF’s Renfroe and Brown, wearing turnout gear, air packs and stretching a hose line, approached the house. With heavy smoke and fire showing, the two volunteer Firefighters, according to Chief Childress’ information, approached the door when FF Renfroe asked Brown to return to the truck and get a light. When FF Brown returned, FF Renfroe was not there but the hose line was still there lying on the ground…causing concern about FF Renfroe’s whereabouts. Fire conditions continued to worsen at the same time, making entry into the dwelling tough…and with no hose leading to Renfroe’s possible location, information and help for the trapped Firefighter was delayed. Chief Childress said other area firefighters, waiting on standby at other fire stations were said to have heard over their radio FF Renfroe’s pleas of “Y’all come get me.”
Based on statements of witnesses at the scene, because of the intense heat, it took about 45 minutes before Firefighters were able to reach FF Renfroe who had by that time, gave his life. In a tragic irony, Renfroe’s dream of being a firefighter with a larger FD would have been realized Friday. He had applied and been accepted by the Irondale FD and was scheduled to begin his rookie training with them. May FF Renfore rest in Peace.
