A firefighter in St. Louis was killed while operating at the scene of a structure fire, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
On Thursday, January 13, 2022, St. Louis (MO) Fire Department firefighters responded to the 5900 block of Cote Brilliante Avenue. The multi-story building, designated as vacant by the city, was being consumed by fire. Firefighters had put out the flames on the first floor and were checking to make sure no one was on the second floor when they decided to turn back because of the intensity of the fire.
As members were leaving, the building’s roof and top story collapsed, burying Firefighter Benjamin Polson, 33. He passed away at the scene. Two other firefighters were injured and taken to the local hospital where they were treated and released.
