Simultaneous Flashover, Floor Collapse Create Close Calls for NC Firefighters

Asheville firefighters had close calls at a house fire Monday. 

AFD Fire Chief Scott Burnette told WLOS three firefighters who lost the hose line were trapped in the room by the flashover. They bailed out a window to escape.

One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital.

Chief Burnette said flashovers typically happen before firefighters get there. He added that a situation like this puts all crews on high alert.

“It definitely puts everybody into high gear in the department, especially the firefighters that are on the fire ground," Burnette told the media. "It puts you into fire rescue mode and their efforts are 100% focused on saving one of their own. Firefighting is one of the most dangerous professions and our firefighters are faced with those dangers. When a flashover occurs, it puts them at the most danger of getting injured or losing their life.”

The chief went on to explain another close call at the incident: "At the exact same time another firefighter from another company fell through the floor all the way through the basement. He was able to get himself out with some assistance from another company that was in the basement."