Karried
01-28-2008, 03:32 PM
Firefighter hurt when line breaks
By Augie Frost
Staff Writer
One firefighter was taken to a hospital this afternoon after a water line ruptured, knocking him to the ground, a fire department spokesman said.
The firefighter, whose name was not released, was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, Deputy Chief Cecil Clay said.
He was one of dozens fighting a three-alarm fire at the Residence Inn, 4361 W Reno Ave., Clay said.
The fire started about 1 p.m. in the office of the building, apparently in the laundry room, Clay said.
Based on fire extinguishers found near the building, it appeared employees of the extended stay hotel tried to douse the flames themselves but were overwhelmed, Clay said.
By the time firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was pouring from the roof. Within 10 minutes of their arrival, flames were shooting up to the height of a four-story building.
For nearly two hours firefighters fought the blaze using ladders and as many as 10 fire hoses.
The building was destroyed, Clay said. A cost estimate of the damage was not immediately available.
No other injuries were reported and an exact cause is not yet known, Clay said.
Arson investigators were on the scene, which is standard procedure with any three-alarm blaze, Clay said.
By Augie Frost
Staff Writer
One firefighter was taken to a hospital this afternoon after a water line ruptured, knocking him to the ground, a fire department spokesman said.
The firefighter, whose name was not released, was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, Deputy Chief Cecil Clay said.
He was one of dozens fighting a three-alarm fire at the Residence Inn, 4361 W Reno Ave., Clay said.
The fire started about 1 p.m. in the office of the building, apparently in the laundry room, Clay said.
Based on fire extinguishers found near the building, it appeared employees of the extended stay hotel tried to douse the flames themselves but were overwhelmed, Clay said.
By the time firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was pouring from the roof. Within 10 minutes of their arrival, flames were shooting up to the height of a four-story building.
For nearly two hours firefighters fought the blaze using ladders and as many as 10 fire hoses.
The building was destroyed, Clay said. A cost estimate of the damage was not immediately available.
No other injuries were reported and an exact cause is not yet known, Clay said.
Arson investigators were on the scene, which is standard procedure with any three-alarm blaze, Clay said.