Lieutenant Matthew Blankenship, 38, , on July 20,2013 at 1724hrs, passed away from injuries one week after sustaining burns over 75 percent of his body resulting from a flashover of a fire in the basement of a two-story residential structure the week prior on July 13, 2013. Lieutenant Blankenship had been in a medically induced coma at the hospital since he suffered the injuries. Two other firefighters injured in the same incident were treated at the hospital and released. The fatal incident remains under investigation by local authorities and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Our condolences to the Blankenship Family & Friends, the Marshfield Fire Protection District, and to all affected by Fire Lieutenant Matthew Blankship's passing.
To date, 67 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2013. 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.)
