Trending Topics

‘You almost don’t believe it': Mayday declared when Texas FF becomes disoriented in house fire

Nine McKinney firefighters were hospitalized with injuries from smoke inhalation and overexertion

MCKINNEY, Texas — A mayday was transmitted during a McKinney house fire that injured nine firefighters.

McKinney firefighters responded at approximately 9:11 p.m. on Aug. 30 to a structure fire on Joshua Tree Trail. The caller reported flames in the primary bedroom. Truck 11 reported heavy smoke showing from the two-story residence and initiated an aggressive interior attack, WFAA reported.

| HOT TOPIC: Debate heats up over FFs arrested at wildfire

Firefighters later encountered heavy smoke and extreme heat conditions on the second floor. A mayday was declared when a Truck 3 firefighter became disoriented and ran low on air.

“You almost don’t believe it,” McKinney Chief Paul Dow said. “I think everyone had to look to somebody else who was by their side and ask, ‘Did that mayday — did that actually go out?’”

Firefighters quickly rescued their disoriented colleague, but as the blaze spread into the attic, crews shifted to exterior operations.

Nine firefighters were hospitalized with injuries from smoke inhalation and overexertion, but all were treated and released on Aug. 31.

| READ NEXT: Commanding a mayday event

Ibrahim details his own mayday experience and shares his take on proactive vs. reactive RIT
Trending
The rich history of a fire engine’s color dates back to the 1900s; discover why fire trucks are red, and if it’s truly the best color for your rig
When a runner collapsed during Flint’s Crim Festival of Races, three spectators with medical training jumped into action performing CPR, using a defibrillator and helping paramedics
The initiative, developed with Bucks County Community College aims to build the next generation of first responders
When Kristin Marino wed at the Plaza Hotel, FDNY firefighters from her late father’s Rescue Company 1 stood in his place
Company News
Facility expansion adds seven new service bays and local pickup and delivery, enhancing emergency vehicle service capabilities across the region

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.