On December 9, 2014 at approximately 0249hrs., Firefighter Joyce Craig Lewis, 36, was one of several firefighters that were first to respond to a residential fire in the West Oak Lane Section of Philadelphia. Upon arrival at 0253hrs., the firefighters advanced a hose into the home's basement to fight the fire. As reinforcement arrived, a change in tactics was ordered and the first group of firefighters started to withdraw from the basement. During this time, Firefighter Craig-Lewis became trapped. She was rescued by fellow firefighters and, with no vital signs, was transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at approximately 0400hrs.. Investigation into the incident and cause of death continues. Firefighter Craig-Lewis is Philadelphia's first female firefighter to die while on duty.
Our condolences to the Lewis Family & Friends, the City of Philadelphia Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Joyce Craig Lewis' passing.
To date, 83 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. 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.)
