By Trina Berlo
The Connection
WASAGA BEACH, Ont. — Two Wasaga Beach firefighters rescued an unconscious man from a house fire March 10.
Off duty firefighters Jason Bavelaar and Reno Levesque were the first to arrive at the scene just after 11:25 a.m.
Before fire crews arrived at the house, located at 1847 River Rd. W., a witness informed Bavelaar and Levesque that someone was inside.
Fire Chief Mike McWilliam said Bavelaar and Levesque entered the smoke-filled house to conduct a search. They located the unconscious man in the basement and carried him out of the house where paramedics gave him oxygen.
He was then transported by ambulance to Collingwood General and Marine Hospital where he is reported to be in good condition.
“I am proud of these two firefighters for their quick and unselfish actions,” said McWilliam. “Entering a hazardous atmosphere without protective equipment is certainly not our practice, however the firefighters assessed the conditions and did what had to be done. Any firefighter would have done the same thing put in that position.”
McWilliam said the damage was contained to a small workshop in the basement.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has been contacted and is expected to be on scene sometime today.
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