Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions throughout the home. The resident of the home told police when they arrived on scene that all four of her children were in the residence at the time of the fire, but only two made it out on their own, according to the police report.
The adult female, who was covered in soot, advised firefighters that she had made multiple attempts to rescue the two children still in the house prior to their arrival, according to press release from the city of Springfield.
Multiple fire and EMS crews immediately initiated an aggressive search-and-rescue operation, according to the city. Firefighters were able to extricate the other two children who were still in the home. They located both children and rescued them through bedroom windows after normal paths of egress were found to be blocked by fire.
The Springfield Fire Rescue Division took the two children, who were in critical condition, to Mercy Health - Springfield Regional Medical Center before the children were then transported to Dayton Children’s Hospital.
During the rescue operations, four firefighters sustained injuries, including burns, cuts and smoke inhalation. All injured personnel were evaluated and treated, and they have since been released.
The Springfield Fire Rescue Division Fire Marshal’s Bureau determined the fire was an accident. The origin was traced to combustible materials igniting in close proximity to a space heater, according to the city.
With cold weather conditions, the city is advising residents that space heaters need to be at least three feet away from combustible materials, and resident should also ensure working smoke detectors are installed and tested monthly.
The condition of the children on Tuesday was not available, but the Springfield Fire Rescue Division said it was hopeful for the children’s full recovery.
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