GALVESTON, Texas – Six firefighters with the Galveston Fire Department fell from the second floor to the ground level as they fought a blaze at an apartment complex Sunday, officials said.
The fire started just before 2:10 p.m., in the 2300 block of 40th Street, not far from Galveston College, according to a news release from the Fire Department.
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As the floor collapsed, a captain and four firefighters fell, along with furniture and appliances, officials said. Another captain also was involved in the collapse, but managed to hold onto an apartment door frame. That captain was pulled out by firefighters at the scene.
One of the firefighters was trapped under some debris, but only for a brief time. Crews on the ground floor were able to rescue that firefighter, officials said.
All six were taken to a hospital to be evaluated. They were released later that evening. One of the firefighters suffered minor burns across the back of his hand, and another experienced some soreness in his left shoulder and leg, the news release said.
Within four minutes of receiving the call, three engine companies, one ladder truck and two battalion chiefs arrived. The two-story garage apartment building was heavily involved. Firefighters went upstairs to make sure no one who lived there was trapped. That’s when the floor collapsed without warning, officials said.
The cause of the fire has not been determined. The Red Cross is helping the residents who are unable to return home due to the damage.
Early indications suggest the fire started on the bottom level of the building, possibly in a vehicle.
No one living at the apartments was home at the time of the fire. However, a dog died as a result of smoke inhalation.