Fort Dodge firefighters had to think quickly to come up with a plan when the found a woman trapped on the third floor as flames were blowing her way.
The problem -- they didn't have a ladder that could reach her.
“I think it’s instinct, that just seeing the situation that occupant was in and knowing they had to do something right now. They were just adapting and overcoming that big obstacle, not having that ladder right there, right now," For Dodge Fire Chief Steve Hergenreter told WHO13.
The proud chief went on to explain how the unique rescue unfolded: “The engine that was there had a 24-foot extension ladder that will only get to second floor windows. We needed a 35-foot extension ladder. They had to sprung into action and improvise. They raised the 24-foot ladder as high as it would go. And then the engine also had a 14-foot ladder so a firefighter carried it up, placed it at the top of that, leaned into the window to where the occupant was. There, he had to hold on tight to to keep it braced as best he could.”
The technique wasn't something the crew had been trained to do.
Six people were treated for smoke inhalation locally and one person was flown to Iowa City with burns.
