Firefighters battling a blaze at a townhome in Lawrence Township early Thursday morning escaped serious injury when the floor above them partially collapsed.
The firefighters were attempting to advance a hoseline through the first floor when the collapse occurred, sending an oven and other appliances down, just feet from where they were standing, according to The Lawrenceville Patch.
Crews responded to the fire at 41 Featherbed Court in the Sturwood Hamlet development shortly after midnight to find smoke coming from the attached garage of the townhome.
A couple and their son had already vacated the residence when firefighters arrived and were transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Lawrence Road Fire Chief Shaun Dlabik and Lawrenceville Assistant Chief Dave Burns were on the front porch preparing to enter when the screen door blew open and the two men were knocked off their feet by the flames.
They were fortunately uninjured.
A crew then began knocking down the flames from the porch as they attempted to enter the split-level home. With flames shooting up from below, they went down into the lower level and began to advance the hoseline when the beams supporting the second-floor kitchen gave way.
The firefighters were ordered out and an exterior attack was initiated.
The fire was declared under control by 1:50 a.m. and firefighters continued to douse hot spots after 4 a.m.
At least one firefighter was treated at the scene for minor burns.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
