LUZERNE COUNTY, PA – Shortly after 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 19, Hazleton City Fire and APTS Medic 11 was dispatched to 411 Kiefer Avenue in the city for a reported house on fire. First arriving units found heavy smoke filling the street. Chief 2 arrived and assumed command of the incident.
Engine 3 pulled past the residence so Ladder 1 could take the address. Engine 2 performed a reverse lay from Engine 3 and secured a water supply from a hydrant at Kiefer and Mill. Pipeline 4 positioned behind the Ladder.
A line was stretched into the residence where crews found heavy fire in the kitchen area. An attack was initiated to knock down the fire which had begun to spread to the second floor. The aerial was put up to the roof and vertical ventilation was performed.
During the operation, a firefighter operating on the second floor fell through the weakened floor and landed on the first floor. The firefighter was immediately removed from the building and placed in the hands of EMS. After being evaluated, the paramedic requested a medical helicopter be sent to the Hazleton General Hospital helipad to transport the patient to a local trauma center. After the fire, Hazleton Fire Chief Donald Leshko stated the firefighter suffered a back injury and was conscious and alert before being placed in the helicopter.
Firefighters continued to douse the blaze even after their brother was taken to the hospital. Hot spots were continually found and extinguished from both the interior and exterior. The fire was completely extinguished before 3:00 PM. A State Police fire marshal was requested into the scene to assist in the investigation.
Later in the afternoon, through a series of Facebook posts, it was found out the injured firefighter suffered only scrapes and bruises and was released from the trauma center only hours after being flown.
