Firefighters in Fort Worth have been battling blazes related to the city's unusual cold snap, with one captain making a dramatic escape from a burning home and back into the fray. The Fort Worth Fire Department reported a flurry of emergency calls as freezing temperatures gripped the area, leading to numerous fires caused by alternative heating methods. During one such incident late Sunday night, a fire captain was forced to exit a house through a window when flames took over the room he was in.
Captain Brian Alexander of Station 16 was caught up in a perilous situation while responding to a one-story house fire in the 5600 block of Shiloh Drive, the Star-Telegram reported. As his team made an interior attack "the room suddenly flashed and flames engulfed the room," leading to his narrow escape through the front window. Coming to his aid, Captain Larry Young of Engine 30 helped to control the flames from the outside, creating an opportunity for Alexander's exit.
The incident happened as snowfall began and temperatures neared 10 degrees. The quick reaction of Captain Young, who grabbed a hose line and tackled the fire from outside, was decisive in ensuring Alexander's safety. Furthermore, the fire was under control within 30 minutes, and Alexander resumed his duties immediately after the close call. Amazingly, there were no injuries reported from the event, according to CBS News Texas.
The cold weather conditions have seen Fort Worth's bravest answering 25 calls for carbon monoxide service and 24 calls for structure fires just on Sunday. The Fort Worth Fire Department has reminded residents of the necessary precautions when using fireplaces and space heaters. These incidents serve as a stark warning of the dangers posed when seeking warmth in the face of bitter temperatures, and the relentless dedication of the city's fire department to keeping the public safe.
