Firefighter in critical condition after falling through roof while tackling fire in California - video
The firefighter had received second and third degree burns to 65 per cent of his body
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A firefighter in California is in a critical condition today after he fell through a roof while tackling a house fire in Fresno.
Disturbing footage from the fire on Sunday afternoon, shows the unnamed firefighter battling a blaze from the roof of a property near Central Fresno.
The video then shows the roof give way beneath him, causing the man to become engulfed by the flames below.
Warning: This video contains footage some viewers may find distressing
Screams from shocked bystanders can be heard in the background, as man’s colleagues can be seen rushing to rescue the 25-year-old veteran of the department from the fire.
In total, it took the men between two and three minutes to tear away the garage door and pull the heavily burnt man from the blaze.
He was quickly taken to hospital by an ambulance crew where he currently remains in a critical condition.
Watch More: Bodycam captures fire rescue by hero police officer
Man dressed as santa claus rescues man from fire
He underwent surgery on Sunday night to treat second and third degree burns on 65 per cent to 75 per cent of his body.
Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis: “I believe his burns were on his hands, around his face. He did have his mask intact. There were some other burns on his back, around his legs, so they're pretty much in all areas of his body.”
Witness Sooji Lee, who filmed the incident, said that the episode was traumatizing but it was important that she shared the video to show the way firefighters risk their lives every day.
She told ABC30: “That way they know the kind of position that these firefighters are put in, and that they do brave things every single day.
“It's a dangerous act that we call bravery, but firefighters call just another day at work.”
A statement of the Fresno Fire’s PIO read: “Thanks to all who have reached out to FFD. This is a difficult time for all of us and our thoughts and prayers are w/our FF and his family.”
The Fresno Fire Department, requested that the raw video be released to the public to show the dangers of firefighting.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments