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  • Firefighters Contain Blaze in Close Call Save Email Print
    Mayday sounded when firefighters were trapped
    Posted: 3:58 PM Jul 3, 2008
    Last Updated: 9:42 AM Jul 4, 2008

    A | A | A

    The Omaha Fire Department safely contained a two-alarm blaze Thursday morning after a close call for some of the firefighters. It happened near 33rd and Corby around 8:30 a.m.

    They were inside the home when a wall of flames surrounded them.

    Captain Lonnie Battin was in the home at the time and he says, "I opened the door the second time -- it came off its hinges. The fire came out before the guys could get water on it. It flashed over us. I rolled out the back door. When it flashed over, it was probably halfway down the hall. Everybody felt a good amount of heat when it flashed over us."

    Engulfed by flames and away from his crew Captain Battin knew this was a serious situation. For the first time in his 21 year career, Captain Battin had to make a mayday call to make sure his crew was safe.

    "I called a mayday when I rolled out the back door because I was separated from my crew and I didn't know if anyone was in trouble or not."

    With the mayday call, a rapid intervention team was deployed. All firefighters were evacuated and roll call was taken. In this case all firefighters were accounted for.

    Captain Battin says, "When it flashes over, you get disoriented. You're engulfed in flames. Fortunately you're trained to get down. I knew there was a door just behind me. I was ale to roll out the door."

    The fire was brought under control about an hour after it started. No one was injured.

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    Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
    Posted by: The Original Cop on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:34 PM
    Way to go firedawgs! Glad everyone came out okay.

    Posted by: Thanks on Jul 4, 2008 at 01:07 PM
    Not quite the same as the cubicle dwellers who say firefighters shouldn't be getting the pay, beneifts, and pensions they do. After all, how can some blue collar fireman get compensated in any way similar to the ever important pencil pushers who say their job is dangerous too, after all they could get in a car wreck on the way to work. Thank you OFD.

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