Two Prince George’s County, MD firefighters burned in flashover
We expect more details and pictures from PGFD on the injuries to two volunteers from Station 807 (Riverdale). Here is what is known from the AP:
Prince George’s County authorities say two firefighters have been injured in a house fire.
County fire department spokesman Mark Brady says a 27-year-old firefighter suffered significant burns to his upper body while battling a blaze at a Riverdale Heights home Friday morning.
Another firefighter received minor burns. Both were taken to hospitals.
Brady says when crews entered the house a flashover occurred, which happens when a fire causes smoke and gas in the air to ignite.
Brady says the house was vacant. Damage is estimated at $25,000.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Here is the account from Riverdale VFD’s website:
At 1130 hrs. PSC dispatched the assignment for a house fire at 6318 57th Avenue. Both E807 and TK807 responded with crews of 4 personnel each. E813 (Riverdale Heights) arrived on the scene and reported light smoke showing on side Alpha. Upon arrival on the scene, the crew from TK807 (F/F Cory Johnston, F/F Anthony Blazek, and F/F Mark Tyrell) made entry to the house. The following series of events (still unverified) led to conditions in the house that presented a flashover environment. The hoseline from E813 burst, a backup line was not charged due to no established water supply, and the house was not yet ventilated. Now without the protection of a hoseline, the crew was committed to the house when the room flashed. F/F Tyrell was apparently far enough in the house to avoid any injury, F/F Johnston recieved 2nd degree burns to his right shoulder, and F/F Blazek recieved the full force of the flashover suffering second-third degree burns to his face, hands, and the majority of his torso.
F/F Blazek was transported from the scene by Medic 812 to MedStar Trauma/Burn Center in Washington, DC. Although in serious condition, his spirits remain high. F/F Johnston was transported via Battalion Chief to MedStar Trauma/Burn Center after returning to the station.
We appreciate your concerns and wishes but ask that you do not contact the station directly for further information. As information becomes available it will be posted on our website …
