The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Ill.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Three Springfield firefighters were injured, including one who fell through a hole in a floor, during a fire that destroyed a house on Tuesday morning.
Firefighters were sent to the home in the 1300 block of West Miller Street at 7:30 a.m. and found heavy flames in the back part. The home is in an area of town referred to as “Little Hollywood.”
While searching for people trapped inside, a firefighter fell through a hole in the floor and landed in the basement. A “mayday” was immediately issued, which triggered a second-alarm response, said Fire Chief Allen Reyne.
The firefighter who was trapped in the basement was able to make radio contact with command staff, which allowed other firefighters to locate and remove the firefighter within 15 minutes. The firefighter was taken to Memorial Medical Center where he was treated and released.
Two other firefighters also suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze. They were treated at the scene.
A battalion chief said the hole in the floor was a structural issue, probably from moisture getting inside the home.
The home was deemed a total loss. A neighbor who was on the scene later Tuesday morning said that house had been unoccupied for four or five years.
The fire department was assisted by paramedics, Springfield police, and City Water, Light and Power, which had to shut off a live power line.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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©2019 The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Ill.