Shortness of breath at scene of an
illegal burn
FirefighterNation Staff
INDEPENDENCE, Missouri – An Independence firefighter has died after experiencing a medical emergency during a fire on Thursday afternoon, according to several news outlets and a Facebook post by city officials.
At approximately 1 p.m. today, Stations 2, 3, 4, and 5 responded to a potential residential fire in the 9600 block of 33rd St. South. Upon arrival at the scene one of the firefighters on a responding crew reported shortness of breath and remained in the vehicle with a fellow firefighter while others addressed the fire. Crews determined the reported fire was an illegal open burn. When the remaining crews returned to the pumper truck, he fell unresponsive. Medical care was immediately started on the firefighter and he was transported in critical condition to Centerpoint Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. Further details will be released after family notification and when service information is available.
City of Independence, MO, Government
KMBC and KSHB reported that firefighters were called to a reported house fire that turned out to be an illegal open burn. After arriving at the scene, one of the firefighters reported shortness of breath and stayed in the fire engine.
When they returned to the engine they found the firefighter unresponsive and began rendering aid.
The Kansas City Star reports that additional details would be released pending family notification.
