FRENCH FIREFIGHTER DIES IN THE LINE OF DUTY DURING SEARCH
The Secret List – www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
A Firefighter from Narbonne (France) died in the Line of Duty yesterday (Sunday, December 28, 08) after a search for a victim at a working fire that occurred on Christmas Day, December 25th.
At around 1730, the Narbonne (France) FD received a call for an apartment fire in an older style building. When the first engine got on scene, a lady came out to them advising that her husband was missing and still in the building (in fact, he had left by another door and was actually out of the building). 2 Firefighters immediately entered the building to make the search, and after a while, they became disorientated in the building. One of the Firefighters, FF Jérôme Gateau ran short of air and his partner activated his PASS device. Rescue Firefighters entered to help them…the search took a while to locate them…and had to breach a wall to remove them.
Both Firefighters where hospitalized, FF Gateau had lost consciousness and was heavily intoxicated by CO, the other Firefighter Vincent Lignon (age 20), who stayed with him, was burned but has survived. FF Jérôme Gateau died in the Line of Duty as a result of the smoke inhalation on Sunday December 28th. He leaves 2 children, 2 boys aged 4 & 5 and his wife is a volunteer fire nurse with the EMS of Narbonne FD. As always our sincere condolences to all affected-especially the family of FF Lignon.
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 12-29-08 / 2245 hours
