A 28-year-old firefighter died early this morning at a structure fire in Hamilton, Ohio.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reported that Firefighter Patrick R. Wolterman died from injuries sustained when he became trapped in a residential structure fire.
According to initial reports from the media and fire department, firefighters responded to the fire at 0112hrs and upon arrival observed heavy smoke coming from the home. Firefighters had been advised that the house may be occupied with two elderly residents and at 0117hrs entered the home to search for any residents and began an interior attack on the fire.
At approximately 0120hrs firefighter Wolterman fell from the first floor into the basement and firefighters transmitted a Mayday alert calling for help. Firefighters quickly located and rescued Firefighter Wolterman and performed lifesaving measures while en route to Fort Hamilton Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The fatal fire incident remains under investigation by local and state authorities.
Wolterman had seven years of service.
Thus far, 86 firefighter fatalities have been reported to the USFA in 2015.
