Trending Topics

Watch: Ill. police officers rescue firefighter caught in house fire explosion, collapse

Body-worn camera footage shows fire erupting from a second-story window just before the roof gives way, briefly trapping a Christopher firefighter

CHRISTOPHER, Ill. — Body-worn camera video from the Christopher Police Department shows the moment a firefighter became trapped in a collapse while battling a house fire.

Firefighters responded to the house fire on South Snider Street on April 3, KVFS reports. Video from an officer on the scene shows the moment fire blew out of a second-floor window, causing a porch roof to collapse on a firefighter.

The footage shows officers and bystanders initially running from the home, then quickly returning to pull the firefighter from the debris.

The Christopher Fire Department told KVFS that the firefighter suffered minor injuries.

“We are thankful for our fireman and first responders, and we thank God everyone is home and recovering,” Christopher Police Chief Travis Allen said in a statement to FireRescue1.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Trending
IAFF Local 64 sought an emergency court order allowing members to address elected officials directly about fire department staffing, response times and other public safety concerns
Washington National Guard officials are investigating a photo showing 11 wildland firefighters posing with a Rhodesian flag while assigned to the Little Giant Fire
The “Forrest Gump” actor visited Boston firefighters and served first responders and their families in honor of Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr., who died in the line of duty
A military judge scheduled Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three alleged accomplices to stand trial beginning June 5, 2028, more than 26 years after the Sept. 11 attacks

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.