Tyler Morning Telegraph
LINDALE, Texas — Firefighters are praying for one of their own this morning after a roof collapse at a structure fire severely injured a Lindale firefighter.
Smith County Assistant Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that at least two firefighters are injured, but one has been flown to Parkland Hospital in Dallas with severe injuries.
Lindale firefighter Joe Yeakley is hospitalized in Dallas with burns over more than 50 percent of his body. Dixie firefighter Caleb Snider was treated and released from Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler.
McCoy-Wasson said the fire broke out shortly before 1 a.m. at a residence located 15922 Childress Drive.
She said the homeowner was watching TV in the den area of the home when he noticed smoke.
He ran outside to get a water hose and the door locked behind him. He saw flames in the master bedroom and decided to go for help, but after attempting to wake several neighbors he finally saw an electric company truck and they called 911.
She said when firefighters arrived on scene they made an interior attack on the house and the roof of the garage collapsed.
One firefighter was able to escape through a window and other firefighters located the second man a few minutes later.
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