Back-Draft Explosion Injures Ariz. Firefighters

March 19, 2011
One Tempe firefighter suffered burns to his head, ears and hands while the other firefighter suffered a knee injury.
TEMPE, Ariz. --

Two Tempe firefighters were injured after a back draft blew out a garage door at a house fire near Mill Avenue and Baseline Road.

Mike Reichling of the Tempe Fire Department said a husband and his wife were in the back yard of their home barbecuing when the fire got out of control.

The husband tried to put the fire out himself, resulting in a delayed call to 911.

The next-door neighbor finally called 911.

By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was going strong.

Fire officials said smoke accumulated in the attic and created a back draft that blew the garage door off.

The husband received minor burns to his back, stomach and hands but refused to be transported to the hospital.

One firefighter suffered burns to his head, ears and hands. The other firefighter has a knee injury.

Both firefighters were transported to the hospital.

The house is a total loss.

Copyright 2011 by KPHO.com. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!