Kentucky Firefighter Dies of Burn Complications

Oct. 27, 2013
Whitley City Lt. Arlie “Pooh” Hill III, 37, burned in August, died Sunday evening.

A Kentucky firefighter seriously burned in a flashover in August  has died.

Whitley City Fire Lt. Arlie “Pooh” Hill III, 37, died Sunday evening at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Hill was visiting his brother-in-law, Adam Stephens, also a fire lieutenant, when the two spotted a fire and went to investigate it.

 Pine Knot Fire Chief Tim Cox told reporters that the two firefighters feared someone may be inside the well involved house. As they attempted to enter the house, a flashover occurred, trapping  Hill in the living room and blew  Stephens to the porch floor.

Stephens was able to grab Hill and get clear of the structure. While suffering burns to his face and arms, Stephens did not require immediate medical transport.

 Hill, however, had burns covering at least 90 percent of his body. He was airlifted first to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, then to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 

An infection set in recently, and Hill died at 5:10 p.m. Sunday. 

The community has rallied around his family and fellow firefighters since he was injured in the blaze in the Pine Knot Fire District.  

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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