SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Fire Rescue Division is releasing more information after five firefighters were injured Sunday.
Crews were called to the 600 block of Rice Street around 2 p.m. Sunday on reports of a house fire, according to initial reports.
>>PHOTOS: 1 firefighter hospitalized, 4 others hurt, after fire in Springfield
Fire Chief Brian Miller said the fire started on the back corner of the house and spread to the second story. Two crews on the second floor evacuated when they experienced a “sudden increase in temperature.”
While crews evacuated the second floor, firefighter James “Rob” Baise fell down the stairs and injured his neck, according to Miller.
After they quickly realized that Baise didn’t exit the house, several firefighters went back in and removed him from the building.
Baise was taken to Miami Valley Hospital with what was initially thought to be critical injuries. He is now in stable condition, Miller said.
“It is too early to predict a final outcome; however, we have many positive reasons to think a full recovery is possible,” Miller said.
Four other firefighters, Captain Derek Shenefield, Kevin Whalen, Nick Woolever and Colton Harsh, suffered smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. They were transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center to be evaluated and treated. All were released from the hospital Sunday afternoon, Miller said.
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