SATURDAY at 10:53 a.m. Bradley County Emergency Medical Services and Bradley County Fire Department responded to a house fire at 299 Daniel Lane in Bradley County. No one was at home during the time of the fire. It was a modular type home and was fully involved with flames on one end. The cause of the fire is not known at this time. Bradley County E.M.S. responded one ambulance to stand by for medical support. One firefighter was treated for dehydration on the scene. After receiving some fluids he was able to return. This is the second house fire in Cleveland and Bradley County within the past few days. Photo is courtesy of Stan Clark of EMS.
The victim’s name has not been released at this time, according to Cleveland Fire Department Chief Chuck Atchley.
The victim reportedly suffered burns to his face, as well as smoke inhalation.
Shortly before 11 p.m., CFD firefighters entered a residence on Windsor Circle which was “fully involved” with fire and rescued the man.
Pete Van Dusen, Shaun McCamis and Cody Hicks were praised by their brother firefighters for entering the burning home “under the worst of conditions,” according to Lt. Donnie Sullivan, fire and arson investigator for CFD.
Fire department reports indicated a less than five minute response to the home.
A call came in to 911 from a female in the home.
Sullivan noted the woman’s husband was still inside, but apparently got lost inside the smoke and fire-filled home as she and her 10-year-old grandson exited to safety.
The 10-year-old reportedly went upstairs and when he returned, he found an area of the home on fire. He then awakened his grandmother, who dialed 911.
Sullivan noted the burn victim was apparently attempting to contact 911 on a cell phone and that was possibly when he became trapped in the home and couldn’t find his way out.
“When these three brave firefighters gained entry through the back of the residence, they went in without a lifeline or fire hoses,” said Sullivan.
“They found him inside about 15 feet from the door. They went in during the worst of conditions and that is where our intense training pays off when it comes to saving lives.”
The victim was treated by CFD personnel and then Bradley County Emergency Medical Service paramedics.
He was transported to SkyRidge Medical Center for evaluation and treatment for smoke inhalation and then to Erlanger Medical Center, according to Stan Clark of BCEMS.
Sullivan indicated the victim was then flown to The Joseph Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga.
The grandmother and her 10- year-old grandson were also treated by BCEMS.
Sullivan was assisted throughout the night by Cleveland Police Department investigator Brian Smith.
The veteran fire and arson investigator and the detective worked until the early morning hours to find the cause of the blaze.
Sullivan has determined the fire began in the middle of the home and burned “quickly and hot.”
Investigation is continuing.
