Safety & Health

Ind. Firefighter Hurt in 10-Foot Fall at House Fire

Feb. 13, 2013

Not realizing there was no door to the basement while fighting a fire in an abandoned home, a Frankfort firefighter fell 10 feet, but suffered only bumps and bruises.

Source The Times (Frankfort, Indiana)

Frankfort firefighter Adam Lucas was hurt while responding to a property fire Sunday evening.

The fire was reported at about 6 p.m. at 456 Sims St., and was described as an abandoned property. While fighting the fire Lucas was injured while inside falling into the basement of the house.

“He fell approximately about 10 feet,” said Fire Chief John Kirby. “He didn’t see that there was no door on the basement.”

Lucas was transported to St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital.

“They found a lot of bumps and bruises,” Kirby said. “But he was released back to work (Sunday) evening.”

Lieutenant Ed Cripe and firefighter Kevin Watkins helped pull Lucas out of the basement.

“(456) is an abandoned house, there is no electricity no gas, so it had to be set some way,” Kirby said.

Neighbors around the area said they saw kids playing by the house. According to Kirby the fire is not being considered arson, but they are interviewing some of those kids seen near the structure.

The property next door — 458 Sims St. — also received some fire damage to the outside of the structure.