Two Evansville firefighters were injured – including one who was transported to a Louisville, Ky. hospital for burns to his hands and face – while fighting a structure fire early today on Southeast First Street.
Neither firefighter has been identified. The one with more serious burns was moved by ambulance to the University of Louisville Hospital burn unit. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Jerry Steckler, an Evansville Fire Department instructor, said the injuries happened as a fire crew was battling the blaze inside the second floor of the structure – an apartment house at 712 SE First St. with three units. He said a flashover occurred, suddenly igniting the area the firefighter was in.
"We had firefighters that were engulfed in flames in their protective gear," District Chief Tim Krack said.
A second firefighter suffered a minor burn to the side of his face in the gap between his hood and face piece.
After the injuries, crews evacuated the structure and began fighting the blaze from a defensive posture – staying outside the structure.
The fire started at 1:45 a.m. and caused extensive damage to the apartment house. An upper third floor wall collapsed as did the structure’s roof.
"Between that and the smoke and water, it’s extensively damaged," Steckler said.
Fire units were still on the scene this morning putting out hot spots.
Tenants were home in two of the apartments at the time of the blaze, but all of them got out safely, according to fire officials.
Investigators remained on scene this morning looking into the cause of the blaze.
