Firefighter Rene Fernandez's regulator and mask became dislodged as he attacked a mobile home fire at the corner of Amy Lane and Beeline Lane at shortly after 8 a.m.
Fire crews initiated a defensive attack as it was already fully involved upon arrival. The initial attack team -- which Fernandez was a part of -- went up to the trailer to apply water to the fire through the open doorway, but strong winds changed the direction of the flames.
"It brought the fire right down on them," Fire Chief Jack Collier told Firehouse.com Monday.
The firefighters were all in full turnout gear and PPE, but Fernandez's inhaled the smoke and superheated air after his face piece slipped off.
The five-year veteran was transported to Scott & White Hospital in Temple where he remained until Thursday. He suffered sores and burns to his mouth and throat and had to be intubated.
Collier said he is planning to conduct an investigation into why Fernandez's mask came off.
Paul Peluso | Staff Writer
Paul Peluso is a Firehouse.com staff writer and has worked for the Web site since 2006. Previously, he worked as a reporter for several community newspapers located in the suburbs of Baltimore, Md. Since joining the newsteam, Paul has covered various fire service issues including fire sprinklers, grants, line of duty deaths and technology. While he started out at the Beltsville, Md. office, he has since moved to Florida where he works out of his home office in Tampa.
