BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Lt. Douglas Bell was severely burned when he was the lone firefighter responding to a structure fire last week. His condition is now improved.
Lt. Bell sustained severe burns to his hands and less serious burns to his ears, back and forehead. WSTB reports that his condition has been upgraded to good.
Due to staff cutbacks, Lt. Bell was the only firefighter on duty when the call came in. Two public safety officers, cross-trained police, were on scene. Lt. Bell was the only one to enter the structure.
Michigan OSHA is investigating the incident.
WSBT did reach out to get more details about what happened from Benton Harbor Public Safety Director Roger Lange, but he did not want to comment.