Firefighters were thrown close to 20 feet by a backdraft while battling a blaze last night (Nov. 29), according to Prince George’s County Fire/EMS.
The fire was reported at approximately 8:45 p.m. with three people thought to be trapped inside. The large, two-story sprinklered single-family home had fire showing from the garage when crews arrived.
Firefighters initiated an interior attack as the flames quickly extended up the second floor and attic area. Windows were opened to allow for better visibility and heat removal while crews continued to search for the reportedly trapped occupants.
After operating on the scene for eight minutes, an explosion occurred that sent the firefighters into the front yard. Other firefighters reported their helmets being blown off. Windows were blown out and an official described a "fire-ball" that blew out of the attic area.
The incident commander ordered the evacuation of the structure and paramedics tended to two of the thrown firefighters.
The three people thought to be in the burning house were not at home when the fire took place.
The fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes and there were about 60 personnel dispatched to the fire.
The fire appears to have originated in the garage and the cause is currently under investigation.
