Fire department says firefighter in critical condition after collapse
(Photo by Matthew Keys/Solano NewsNet)
A Fairfield firefighter remains in critical condition at an area hospital after he collapsed while on the scene of a residential fire on Thursday.
The incident, first reported by Solano NewsNet, happened around 1:30 p.m. when fire crews were dispatched to a potential garage explosion at a home along the 500 block of Arkansas Street.
When fire crews arrived, they found a fire located in the backyard of the home. The fire was quickly contained.
While crews were investigating the circumstances of the blaze, a 33-year-old firefighter collapsed behind an engine. A Code Blue medical emergency was declared, and he was rushed to an area hospital.
On Friday, the Fairfield Fire Department revealed the cause of the firefighter’s injury was a cardiac arrest. In a press release, a fire department spokesperson said emergency room doctors and nurses were able to regain a pulse, and that the firefighter remains hospitalized in critical, but stable, condition.
“At this time, we ask for your thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery,” the spokesperson said.
The firefighter has not been identified, but Solano NewsNet has learned he was assigned to Station 41 on North Texas Street. A Solano NewsNet reporter who arrived on the scene shortly after the incident spotted medical equipment scattered behind a fire vehicle with the words “Engine 41” emblazoned on the back.
Several fire crews from other cities were brought to Fairfield to provide substitute coverage to Station 41 while their firefighters assembled at the hospital after the incident, according to sources familiar with the matter. In the release on Friday, the Fairfield Fire Department thanked fellow fire departments from Vacaville, Benicia, Vallejo and Dixon for their help.
Connect with Solano NewsNet on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news updates.
We’re proud to produce independent news for Solano County. This newsletter is an all-volunteer effort. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or signing up for a paid subscription.