Archived News Release: February 1, 2019 - (Updated to correct victim's age to 56 from 51.) Thursday, Jan. 31, at 7:52 p.m., the Ann Arbor Fire Department was notified of a house fire in the 3500 block of Paisley Court.
The 911 call came from a neighbor. Ladder 1-5 arrived first on scene at 8:00 p.m. A neighbor reported the resident was thought to still be inside. Crews advanced hose lines to attack the fire and search for the resident.
While a team of firefighters were searching a second floor bedroom, one of the firefighters fell through a hole that had burned through the floor. The firefighter was immediately removed by additional firefighters and promptly transported by Huron Valley Ambulance (HVA) to St. Joseph Hospital. Shortly after the injured firefighter was removed from the residence, the resident was located and removed. This resident, a 56-year-old male, was pronounced dead on scene by HVA paramedics. An autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death. AAFD and AAPD are investigating the fire. AAFD was assisted on scene by Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority who brought a bus to warm firefighters, and the Helping Area Responders Team (HART) team brought out their canteen unit.
The injured firefighter, who has been with AAFD for 13 years, suffered multiple broken ribs and multiple fractures to the left lower leg that will require surgery.
“Our crews took great risk last night with their efforts searching for the resident. The bravery of our crews and the injured firefighter cannot be overstated," said Fire Chief Mike Kennedy. “Our thoughts are with the victim's family during this tragic event."
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