A Florida firefighter was rescued after issuing a mayday call while battling a four-alarm house fire late Saturday.
More than 80 firefighters from Sarasota and Manatee counties responded to the blaze at a large, two-story Sarasota home just before 7 p.m., the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports. Crews were able to get the fire under control by around 10:30 p.m.
Three firefighters suffered heat-related issues while battling the blaze. Flames in the home's attic also collapsed the roof while a firefighter was on it, leading to a mayday call.
"He did go through that roof somewhat, but we were able to rescue him quickly and take care of that firefighter," Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier told the Herald-Tribune. "He was not injured.”
No residents were home when the fire broke out. Along with Sarasota County firefighter, crews from Manatee County, North Port, Venice and Nokomis helped put out the blaze and cover the city.
“We were able to successfully take care of the incident tonight and the rest of the county,” Regnier told the Herald-Tribune. “Firefighters did monumental work. They did a great job. They were able to save a majority of the structure.”
