Photo: Wesh2
A man was declared dead after being removed from a burning home Thursday in Leesburg where four dogs were found dead in kennels, according to firefighters.
Leesburg and Lake County firefighters responded before 4 p.m. to a fire at a single-family home in the 200 block of S. Nursery Road, where a 911 caller had initially reported hearing “multiple explosions.”
“I was sitting here reading my book, I heard an explosion and I looked down there and I see the smoke start to come up,” said T, who lives in the neighborhood.
Smoke from the fire could be seen from Main Street, according to a Leesburg battalion chief. People who live on the road said smoke filled the street.
“By the time we got back outside and got out here the smoke had been turned to the black dark gray stuff so it was pretty scary, pretty fast,” B said.
Firefighters arrived to find the home about 25% involved in fire as bystanders told them there might be someone inside, a Leesburg news release states. Some first responders worked on fire suppression while others searched the residence and located a man inside of a bathroom, according to the news release.
The man was removed from the home through a rear window and was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, firefighters said.
Further, four dogs inside of the residence were found dead in kennels, according to the news release.
“Firefighters removed the animals from the home and attempted lifesaving measures, including CPR and supplemental oxygen, but were unsuccessful,” the release states. “The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist with the investigation, which is ongoing. The City of Leesburg and the Leesburg Fire Department extend condolences to the victim’s family and others affected by this tragic incident.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Lake County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 3990 shared the following statement on Friday:
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his (the man’s) family and loved ones.
“This is not an outcome to celebrate. It is, however, a sobering reminder of why adequate staffing and the closest available response matter.
“Searching a burning home and removing a victim requires firefighters to operate quickly in an environment where conditions can change in seconds. Every firefighter available on that apparatus matters.
“Lake County Fire Rescue operates 28 frontline units, yet only 12 are staffed with three firefighters around the clock. The remaining 16 operate with two. When lives are at stake, staffing cannot be an afterthought.
“This incident also reinforces the importance of a comprehensive first response agreement between Lake County and the municipalities within the Lake County fire system. Fire and medical emergencies do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries. The closest appropriate unit should respond to every emergency, regardless of the name on the side of the truck.
“We will continue advocating for adequate staffing and a response system that puts the needs of the people we serve first. Yesterday is a painful reminder of why both matter.
“Our deepest condolences remain with the homeowner’s family and everyone affected by this loss.”
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Source: Wesh
