All the firefighters hurt while responding to Saturday evening’s fire have been released from the hospital and are at home continuing their recovery, according to the Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue.
While all four are expected to make full recoveries and return to active duty, there is no set date for their return at this time.
The investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
To maintain an objective view and ensure all details are investigated impartially, the Bedford County Fire Marshal’s Office has requested assistance from the Lynchburg Fire Marshal’s Office, according to Chief Jack Jones Jr.
The initial assessment by Lynchburg Fire Marshal Thomas Goode is that fire was accidental in nature and caused by an overloaded circuit.
This is based on observations during the walk through of the property and from statements taken from personnel at the scene.
According to the Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue, a Mayday was declared on a working fire Saturday around 6 p.m.
Bedford County deputies reported fire showing from multiple sides and multiple levels of the house in the 2500 block of Joppa Mill Road. Crews began their fire attack in both the basement and on the first floor.
According to the department, during the initial attack, the crew on the first floor reported high heat and limited visibility and decided to back up in order to reposition. The crew encountered some difficulties due to the lack of visibility. A “Mayday” was declared over the radio and emergency alarms were activated.
The department said the Incident Commander cleared all radio traffic and immediately dispatched a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to locate the firefighters needing assistance. The RIT crew located one unresponsive firefighter and immediately removed her from the house.
She was flown to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, a level 1 trauma center, in North Carolina and is expected to be released sometime Sunday evening.
Two other firefighters were also experiencing an emergency and were assisted from the house, according to the department. They were transported by ground to Roanoke Memorial Hospital and to Bedford Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One firefighter was treated and released Saturday and the other is expected to be released Sunday afternoon.
The department said another firefighter was also transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries unrelated to the “Mayday” incident. That firefighter was treated and released Saturday.
Crews from the Bedford Fire Department, Moneta Fire Department, Stewartsville-Chamblissburg Fire Department and Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue responded.
No civilians were hurt.
Damages are estimated to be $75,000. The Red Cross is assisting the family.
The cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the “Mayday” incident are being investigated by the Bedford County Fire Marshal’s Office. The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation.
Source: WSLS News 10
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