Firefighters made their initial attack, sent out a mutual aid call, and evacuated nearby residents. Soon after, responders were informed of a resident that was unaccounted for and last seen in the involved residence. As firefighters continued to fight the fire and attempted to locate the missing resident, a nearby propane tank experienced a catastrophic failure causing a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, or BLEVE. The explosion instantly killed 2018 Assistant Fire Chief David Fischer . In addition, the remains of the missing resident, an 82 year-old male, were found the following morning.
Our condolences to the Fischer Family & Friends, Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Fire Chief David Fischer’s passing.
To date, 68 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
