By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
MESA, Ariz. — Mesa firefighters faced a serious close call during a roof collapse while battling a house fire.
Firefighters responded to a call on Aug.19 about a barbecue grill fire that had spread into a house, according to 12 News.
The flames reached the roof and while firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze, the roof collapsed, trapping 10 firefighters inside.
Captain Brook Tidwell, who was in a bedroom at the time of the fire, recalled the collapse happening in the center of the home.
“I’ve had a fair amount of fire in my career, but I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Tidwell said. “I’ve never seen interior conditions change so rapidly. This was a new experience for me.”
The United Mesa Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2260 credited the firefighters’ training for the positive outcome, stating, “Mesa Firefighters safely escaped through a bedroom window after becoming trapped by a roof collapse during a large house fire. Crews train on techniques to rescue themselves and others in such situations. We are thankful for the safety of our members and are happy to report that all injuries were minor.”
ABC15 reported that three firefighters were treated for minor burns and injuries.
