A Town of Marilla (Erie County, NY) Assistant Fire Chief was seriously burned while conducting a search for the occupant in a working house fire this morning. Assistant Chief George Gertz has serious burns (1st and 3rd degree) on his hands and head after he went into the working dwelling fire. Upon his arrival, neighbors reported they thought the occupant was inside... the Chief also heard a dog barking inside the dwelling which added to his concern that someone may be inside. Chief Gertz forced entry into the home and right after that, interior fire conditions worsened significantly which resulted in his injuries. Chief Gertz was removed from the structure, treated and transported to the hospital...but his injuries are non-life threatening. As of around noon he was alert and conscious speaking with other FF's. The occupant was not inside the home at the time of the fire. We wish Chief Gertz a rapid recovery.

2 NEW LODD REPORTS WITH PHOTOS AND GRAPHICS FROM NIOSH:

BALTIMORE CITY FIRE RECRUIT KILLED WHILE TRAINING:

This is the tragic Line of Duty Death of Baltimore City Fire Recruit Rachael Wilson in February of 2007. TAKE TIME to READ this report (and review the photos and graphics) to learn how-from the start-including the hiring process, this LODD was completely avoidable:
http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/FIRE/reports/face200709.html


MERCER COUNTY (PA) FIREFIGHTER KILLED WHILE OPERATING AT A DWELLING FIRE.

Firefighter Brad Holmes of the Pine Township VFD lost his life in the Line of Duty in February after suffering severe burns over 75-percent of his body from operating at a house fire in Grove City. TAKE TIME TO READ this report, review the photos and graphics... to learn specifically the issues related to size-up, search, water supply and communications that lead to the tragic loss.
http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/FIRE/reports/face200806.html