Injured Danville firefighters released from hospital

By DENICE THIBODEAU
Media General News Service
Published: November 3, 2008

The last of the six firefighters injured in a blaze Sunday morning on Grove Street was scheduled to be released from the hospital sometime Monday, according to Capt. D.R. Swiney of the Danville Fire Department.

The firefighters were on the deck of a burning apartment building at 871 Grove St. when the deck collapsed. They were taken to Danville Regional Medical Center, where two underwent surgery on broken legs and one was treated for a sprain.

“It could have been a lot worse,” Swiney said, adding that other firefighters had been under the deck shortly before its collapse. “Our people are well-trained; it saved (the firefighters on the deck) and medical care arrived quick.”

Swiney said Monday that three of the firefighters are back on regular duty, but the other three will be out until their injuries heal.

“I’m not sure how long they will be out,” he said. “This type of injury doesn’t heal too quickly. But they are in good spirits and expect to be back as soon as they can.”

Residents of the four apartments in the building either escaped on their own or were evacuated without injury.

The fire began at about 7:20 a.m. and took firefighters until noon to bring the blaze under control. The building was deemed unsafe and the owner arranged for it to be torn down after the blaze was extinguished, fire officials said.

The Red Cross found temporary housing for the occupants and the Danville Burn Fund is seeking donations to help the residents. Call the Danville Burn Fund at (434) 791-0026 to find out what the residents need, or to make a monetary donation.