The Associated Press
CHESTER, Pa. — Two volunteer firefighters remained in critical condition Sunday night with injuries from a roof collapse during a fire.
Dan Brees, 20, and Chase Frost, 21, were still in the burn unit at Crozer Chester Medical Center on Sunday night. Frost, a Widener University student, had burns on more than 50 percent of his body while Brees was also burned and had respiratory injuries, fire officials said.
Parkside Fire Co. members were sent to the blaze at the two-story townhouse in the Village at Green Tree complex shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday. They were searching for anyone who might be inside when the second story collapsed, trapping Frost and Brees.
Brees was freed in minutes and Frost, who was completely covered with building materials and furniture, was rescued in 15 minutes, fire officials said. Three other firefighters and a police officer were treated for minor injuries.
Although the men were still listed as critical, Parkside spokesman Thomas Culber said officials were optimistic about their prospects for recovery.
“Their lungs were cleared for other burns, which is really good news,” Culber said. “Chase is responsive, he’s excited when visitors come in and we actually have to tell him to relax so he can rest.”
The cause of the fire, which was fought by about 100 firefighters for two hours, remains under investigation by state police and the fire company.