GA Firefighters Injured in Roof Collapse to Recover

Aug. 27, 2019
Three Chatham firefighters—including one who had surgery for third-degree burns—were released from the hospital after battling an apartment complex fire over the weekend.

The three firefighters injured on Saturday when the roof of a burning apartment complex fell on top of them have been released from medical care.

Chatham Emergency Services CEO Chuck Kearns said two of the firefighters sustained minor injuries from the falling roof, and one had third-degree burns.

The firefighters with minor injuries were released from the Memorial Health University Medical Center on Saturday.

The firefighter who sustained third-degree burns was sent to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta and underwent surgery on Sunday. Kearns said the firefighter was released on Monday after a successful surgery and is expected to make a full, but lengthy recovery.

Kearns said the firefighters asked that their names not be released to the media following the incident.

The firefighters were among 50 other firefighters from both Chatham Fire and Savannah Fire Rescue who responded to fire in the 1300 building of the Liberty Oaks apartment complex, 5110 Garrard Ave., around 2 p.m. Saturday.

Kearns said the three-story building fire was caused by a lightning strike.

"The guys were up on the third floor, going room to room and making sure there were no victims early on, when the roof collapsed on them," Kearns said.

Kearns said no residents or pets were injured in the fire.

The building was deemed a total loss, and the Red Cross is helping the 11 families who were displaced.

All of the people displaced, including 13 adults and 17 children, have a place to stay, according to Esther Sheppard, executive director of the American Red Cross of Southeast and Coastal Georgia.

Sheppard said the Red Cross is reaching out to partner agencies to provide for the displaced families' needs.

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©2019 Savannah Morning News (Savannah, Ga.)

Visit the Savannah Morning News (Savannah, Ga.) at savannahnow.com

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