Lewis County Fire District 15, better known as Winlock Fire & Rescue, has shared additional details of a recent harrowing rescue of an elderly disabled man.
At about 10:53 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, Winlock firefighters responded to 223 SE Cowlitz Road for a reported structure fire, according to a news release from the fire district.
Initial reports indicated that occupants of the residence were trying to evacuate but were having difficulty being able to see due to the large amount of smoke.
Three of the four occupants were eventually able to exit the residence and assemble in a side yard.
“When firefighters arrived, they were told by the occupants that a disabled elderly male was still inside and that he was unable to evacuate,” the news release stated. “Firefighters observed heavy flames and smoke exiting out of the doorway where the subject was located and extinguished the flames enough to allow two personnel to enter the residence and located the elderly male in the living room.”
The man was helped out of the residence and was then treated by paramedics.
The disabled elderly man and another male resident were transported to Providence Centralia Hospital with possible smoke inhalation and other fire-related injuries.
Their current status is unknown, the fire district stated.
“Winlock Fire & Rescue would like to commend both firefighters for their actions in rescuing the elderly disabled male resident,” the news release stated.
The fire was extinguished by Winlock Fire & Rescue, Lewis County Fire District 5 (Napavine), Lewis County Fire District 2 (Toledo), Cowlitz-Lewis Fire District 20 (Vader/Ryderwood) and Lewis County Fire District 6 (Chehalis.
There were approximately 20 firefighters on scene. None of them were injured.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Winlock Professional Firefighters Local 2510, the union representing local firefighters, issued its own statement on Facebook after the rescue, noting it was the second in the last two weeks.
“Over the past two weeks, your firefighters and paramedics have responded to two working structure fires, with lifesaving rescues at both incidents,” Local 2510 wrote. “At the first fire, crews rescued a family dog and provided emergency medical care, with successful resuscitation to the animal. At the second, crews rescued a community member whose disability slowed their ability to get out of a house fire. On scene crews provided medical treatment, and rapid transported to the hospital. These calls highlight the teamwork, compassion and dedication your firefighters and paramedics bring to every response. We are proud to serve this community and grateful for the trust you place in us.”
