By FireRescue1 Staff
SOUTH MILDFORD, Ind. — Two firefighters were injured and a fire chief sustained severe burns while battling a sawmill blaze early Tuesday.
Stroh Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tyler Terry suffered first- and second-degree burns on his hands, arms and face. Assistant Chief Finley Conley told WANE.com that he was transported to a burn center for treatment.
A small flashover was reported after sawdust “superheated,” and left two Wolcottville firefighters with superficial burns, reported 21Alive.
“When it busted apart, there was a mass explosion, as soon as all that oxygen reached it, it just more or less exploded,” Chief Conley said. “I’ve been on [the job] 18 years and this is probably the worst actual issue we’ve had.”
The incident is still under investigation. A sawmill employee also suffered first-degree burns, and was treated and released from the hospital.
According to Assistant Chief Conley, Chief Terry may be released from the hospital in the next several days.