BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A firefighter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after battling a house fire Friday.
Lt. Andrew Johnson is expected to remain in the hospital for two to three days to clear soot from his lungs. Doctors are using saline to clear the smoke in his lungs, reported ABC 3340. He is heavily sedated and incubated.
Birmingham Fire-Rescue Chief Charles Gordon Jr. said Johnson suffered significant smoke inhalation after the seal of his SCBA mask failed. The department will investigate how the seal failed.
Johnson is a 14-year veteran, reported WTVM. He also serves on the Warrior (Ala.) Fire Department.
Officials said the cause of the fire was accidental.