Helmet Cam Captures Close Call for WV Firefighters

Firefighters were moments away from entering a burning home home in eastern Kanawha County when an oxygen tank exploded Thursday.

A Malden firefighter wearing a helmet camera had their helmet blown off by the explosion, which was captured on video.

Firefighters were bringing a hoseline up to the house when the blast happened, Malden Fire Chief, Squeak Peterson told WSAZ.

"If they had been on the attack mode at that time instead of stretching the line, if they would have been in front of that door there would have been serious injuries if not fatalities from the fire fight," Peterson said.

The explosion sent debris flying through the air and it went into a neighbor's home.

"It sounded almost like a cannon going off," Peterson said