Injured D.C. Firefighter's Condition Upgraded
Firefighter Michael LaCore's condition has been upgraded from critical to serious.
WASHINGTON --
The condition of a firefighter injured in a massive D.C. blaze has been upgraded from critical to serious.
D.C. firefighter Michael LaCore, 37, was injured last week while battling a rowhouse fire in the 600 block of Fourth Street in Northeast. He suffered second- and third-degree burns over 30 percent of his body.
LaCore was one of four firefighters injured in the blaze.
Firefighter Charlie Shyab, 30, remains in fair condition.
Two others -- firefighters Kenneth Humphries, 23, and Douglas Donnelly, 27, were released from a local hospital.
The firefighters were trapped on the top floor of the rowhouse when an explosion occurred.
Investigators said they believe the fire was caused by some oily rags being stored next to some propane canisters in the home next door. They believe the rags ignited the propane, setting off an explosion, and the fire burned from the back porch of the home to the houses on either side.
The cause of the fire appeared to be accidental, fire officials said.
