The Shadow
ROANOKE — Four firefighters were injured, including one seriously, during a basement fire Wednesday morning in northwest Roanoke.
Crews were dispatched at 10:46 a.m. to the 2700 block of Courtland Road NW for reports of thick black smoke in a basement with occupants still inside. Residents were advised to evacuate before Engine 2 A-Shift arrived at 10:48 a.m. and reported smoke showing from the corner of the home. The incident was upgraded to a working fire.
Firefighters entered the basement and located active fire conditions. One occupant was rescued from the first floor through a window and transported to the hospital. Two others were treated on scene for minor injuries.
A mayday was declared at 11:01 a.m. by crews from Engine 5 and Ladder 5 who were unable to evacuate the structure. A Rapid Intervention Crew removed all firefighters, and by 11:06 a.m. all personnel were accounted for. Command shifted to exterior operations.
Four firefighters were taken to a local hospital. Two sustained minor injuries, one moderate injuries, and one serious injuries. Two firefighters remain hospitalized at a burn center, while two have been released.
The fire was brought under control at 12:10 p.m. The cause remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone envolved.
