Illinois House Fire Kills Firefighter; Critically Burns Another

Firefighter Nation

A house fire last night in Illinois has claimed the life of a firefighter and an occupant, as well as critically injuring a second firefighter.


According to local news reports, 28-year old Brian Carey of the Homewood Fire Department died and a second firefighter sustained severe burns while fighting a fire Tuesday night. An unidentifed occupant of the home is also reported to have been killed.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at approximately 9:00 p.m. and had reportedly made an attempt to rescue a wheelchair-bound man from the home. Firefighters were sucessful in removing the man from the home. The man's wife had escaped the fire and was taken to a local hospital.

It is not confirmed, but local news stations report that oxygen tanks inside the home may have exploded, contributing to a rapid fire growth.

The Homewood Fire Department has scheduled a press conference for 10:00 a.m. this morining.

Firefighter Brian Carey was recently sworn in to the the department on February 2010.

The father of a fireman killed fighting a blaze in south suburban Homewood said he is "numb but proud" this morning.

Brian Colin Carey, 28, died doing what he loved most, according to his father, also Brian. He said his son was made a full-time paid Homewood firefighter less than two months ago. Speaking from the family's Evergreen Park home, Carey said his son had wanted to be a fireman since he was five years old.

"He died doing what he loved. He helped rescue those elderly people last night," Carey said.


WGN: Family of Homewood fireman reacts to his death

Karra Kropas, 21, suffered first- and second-degree burns and sin listed in stable conditon at the University of Chicago Hospital burn unit. Mayor Richard Hofeld says her injuries are not life-threatening.


Updates will be provided as they develop.

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that is so sad...he was sworn in on feb 2010. my condolences go out to Brians family.
My prayers are with the family and the department.
I really wish the Gov would mandate a Hazmat sticker like NFPA 704, that could be displayed letting us know of oxidizers in residential settings. It might not have saved any lives, but it could help in decisions made later to see a Oxidizer Placard when doing a walk around size up. "To the fallen!"
As a member of the ST. Louis Fire Dept. and a fellow brother I would like to say RIP my brother. I would also like to say sorry to his loved ones left behind. But lets not sorrow lets keep our heads high and remember his life.
On behalf of the members of the Bloomington Fire Department (Illinois) Local 49, our thoughts and prayers go out to the members and family of the Homewood Fire Department on the loss of a brother and injury of a sister firefighter. Peace be with you.
May you rest in peace Brian you died in the highest tradition of the fire service. To the members of his department from New Dundee Fire Rescue our condolences on the loss of a fine member. For the members of his family know he died bravely saving a sisters life, our prayers are with you as are the brotherhood's.
I agree with you Allen. Remember that O2 is not flammable unless its under pressure like in the tanks.
I believe the O2 user could put something up also, like O2 IN USE, Simple ha.
RIP brother, you are and always will be a hero. PEACE to the ones left behind.
I am truly saddened by the death of this hero. Our prayers go out to his brothers,sisters, and family. It shows the sacrifice Firefighters make everyday throughout our country. Rest in Peace brother.
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Image Hosting at Photobucket Rip My Brother and my thouths and prayers are with the family god bless
Utmost sympathies to his brother firefighters and family.
RIP Brother. Thoughts and prayers go out to Brian's family and department in this time of loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to our sister as well.

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