The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
New Hampshire Firefighters Rescue, Revive Man In House Fire
PAT GROSSMITH
The Union Leader
MANCHESTER - A 25-year-old man was in serious condition at a Boston hospital Wednesday after firefighters rescued him from the smoke-filled basement of his Oak Street home.
Fire Chief James Burkush said firefighters rushed into the single-story home and found Ryan Christian unconscious in the basement. Battling zero visibility with dark smoke, they removed the man and administered life-saving aid.
The man's mother, Mariellen Puckett, had tried to reach her son but was unable to get to the basement through the heavy smoke and heat, officials said. Two neighbors also tried to rescue Christian before firefighters reached the house five minutes after the fire was dispatched.
District Fire Chief Al Poulin said firefighters vented the basement and rushed in with breathing apparatus. They found the 25-year-old in a bathroom, dragged him to the backyard and immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
"The firefighters did a great job," Burkush said. "There was absolutely zero visibility in that building."
Christian was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where his condition was upgraded from critical to serious Wednesday.
Officials said the fire began in the basement, which had a living room and entertainment area. Christian lived in the basement, Poulin said.
Poulin said investigators have yet to determine what caused the fire, but they have ruled out smoking.
"We have no reason to believe this fire was suspicious," Burkush said. "There was so much heavy fire damage we haven't been able to make a determination yet."
The fire at 518 Oak St. was reported at 2:34 a.m. Poulin said Puckett was awakened by a wind and smelled smoke. She tried to call 911, but when the phone didn't work, she opened the basement door and smoke poured out. Puckett ran to the house of a neighbor, who called 911.
The fire was knocked down about four minutes after the first crew arrived on the scene, according to District Fire Chief James Michael. Michael said Chrisitian suffered second- and third-degree burns to his chest as well as from smoke inhalation.
The home is uninhabitable, and Michael estimated damage at $40,000.
Related
WMUR: Man Rescued From House Fire In Critical Condition
Copyright 2011 Union Leader Corp.
All Rights Reserved
January 6, 2011
The man's mother, Mariellen Puckett, had tried to reach her son but was unable to get to the basement through the heavy smoke and heat, officials said. Two neighbors also tried to rescue Christian before firefighters reached the house five minutes after the fire was dispatched.
District Fire Chief Al Poulin said firefighters vented the basement and rushed in with breathing apparatus. They found the 25-year-old in a bathroom, dragged him to the backyard and immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
"The firefighters did a great job," Burkush said. "There was absolutely zero visibility in that building."
Christian was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where his condition was upgraded from critical to serious Wednesday.
Officials said the fire began in the basement, which had a living room and entertainment area. Christian lived in the basement, Poulin said.
Poulin said investigators have yet to determine what caused the fire, but they have ruled out smoking.
"We have no reason to believe this fire was suspicious," Burkush said. "There was so much heavy fire damage we haven't been able to make a determination yet."
The fire at 518 Oak St. was reported at 2:34 a.m. Poulin said Puckett was awakened by a wind and smelled smoke. She tried to call 911, but when the phone didn't work, she opened the basement door and smoke poured out. Puckett ran to the house of a neighbor, who called 911.
The fire was knocked down about four minutes after the first crew arrived on the scene, according to District Fire Chief James Michael. Michael said Chrisitian suffered second- and third-degree burns to his chest as well as from smoke inhalation.
The home is uninhabitable, and Michael estimated damage at $40,000.
Related
WMUR: Man Rescued From House Fire In Critical Condition
Copyright 2011 Union Leader Corp.
All Rights Reserved
January 6, 2011
Specialty Websites
Find Members Fast
Firefighting Videos
© 2025 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
Badges | Contact Firefighter Nation | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
