Firefighters operating at a two-alarm house fire in Ottawa, Canada, were rescued from what may have been a flashover event that collapsed the home’s main floor into the basement they were working in. The crew of maybe three or firefighters were operating in the smoke-filled basement of the home when they issued a Mayday, which sent the department’s rapid intervention team (RIT) into action.
The RIT met a firefighter at a small basement window who could not reach the stairs because of the partial collapse of the structure’s main floor. The firefighter was pulled to safety and was conscious and speaking to paramedics as he was transported to an area hospital for smoke inhalation and first-degree burns. Within minutes of the rescue, the main floor of the 1 1/2-story home completely caved in. Firefighters were evacuated and began defensive operations. The house was a total loss.
Read more from the Ottawa Citizen HERE.
