March 11, 2006

One critically injured in fire

       Four people were injured this morning, one critically, during a house fire in White River Township. Two of the four injured were firefighters who assisted with the rescue of a victim from the fire. The rescued victim, a 75-year-old woman, was last reported in critical condition at Wishard Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and severe burns to approximately 80% of her body. Two firefighters suffered from burns to the back, neck, and ears, but the burns were not life-threatening. One firefighter also suffered from smoke inhalation when his airpack mask became slightly dislodged when evacuating the victim. The fourth victim was treated and released at the scene with minor smoke inhalation.

         The fire started in the bedroom in which the victim was sleeping. The victim was unable to get out of bed and summoned help from two other family members who were in the house. They attempted to rescue the elderly woman but were unable due to the flames. Meanwhile, an unknown caller called 911 from a cell phone when heavy smoke was noticed coming from the roof of the home. A total of forty-nine firefighters from all three stations along with various mutual-aid departments initially responded on the reported fire with entrapment. The first-arriving units were already familiar with the home, having been there before on medical emergencies, so they knew where to look first. The made entry through a rear door of the home and found heavy smoke and that the room was nearly fully engulfed in flames. They removed the victim and immediately transported her to Wishard Hospital's burn unit. The fire was then quickly brought under control and extinguished, but not before doing extensive damage throughout the home from heat, water, and smoke.

         Investigators say the fire was started from a lit cigarette while the victim was in bed asleep. The victim was also on home oxygen, which fed the flames after ignition. There were smoke detectors in the home, but there were no batteries in them. Investigators also believe that the fire was fairly advanced before anyone noticed it, further complicating matters.

         Personnel and equipment from Greenwood and Bargersville Fire Departments were also at the scene to assist, while Perry Township, Decatur Township, and New Whiteland Fire Departments stood by in the area in case they were needed for other calls.  See related stories HERE and HERE.

            

       
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