By Brian C. Rittmeyer
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Copyright 2006 Tribune Review Publishing Company
All Rights Reserved
CRAFTON, Pa. — Chuck Bach had fought fires for 29 years without getting hurt.
His injury-free run ended Sunday when a ladder collapsed and crushed his left leg at a fire in Crafton, breaking his ankle and leg.
Bach, 48, assistant East Carnegie chief, was one of two firefighters hurt battling a blaze at a three-story duplex in the 100 block of South Linwood Avenue. The fire was reported just before 5 a.m.
Crafton firefighter John Sapsara sprained his ankle in the same mishap with a 35-foot, three-section ground ladder, said Crafton Capt. Rich Crown. Sapsara was treated at St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon and released.
Bach, a resident of Crafton and roofer by trade, was admitted to St. Clair and scheduled for surgery today. Other than being a little sore, he said he was all right yesterday evening.
“I work with ladders all the time. You take things for granted,” he said.
Bach said the ladder wasn’t fully locked, and his leg was crushed between rungs when its sections came down. The accident happened toward the end of the blaze, when firefighters were trying to reach a hot spot on the third floor.
“It’s not a good thing to happen when it’s just overhaul. There’s nobody’s life in danger,” he said.
Four people, two in each duplex, escaped the fire unharmed. Two cats were missing. Crown said damage to the building was extensive but did not have a damage estimate.
Crown said 50 to 60 firefighters from Crafton, Ingram, Green Tree, East Carnegie and Moon Run fought the fire for about four hours. Crews were called back when it rekindled around 2 p.m.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Crown said it is not considered suspicious.
The Red Cross gave the residents vouchers for food, clothing and temporary housing.