A De Soto Rural firefighter is recuperating after falling through the floor of a burning church in French Village on March 12 while his fire district helped the Big River Fire Protection District fight the blaze.
The firefighter, Lt. Larry Gould, was transported by St. Francis County Ambulance to Mercy Hospital South in south St. Louis County, where he was treated and released, said Chief Tom Fitzgerald of the De Soto Rural Fire Protection District.
He said Monday (March 15) that Gould is now home recovering.
“He sustained shoulder and back injuries,” Fitzgerald said. “He won’t be back for a while. It’s going to require recuperation time.”
De Soto Rural got a call just after 6 a.m. about the fire at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 6105 Hwy. Y.
Heavy smoke could be seen at the church when firefighters arrived, De Soto Rural Fire reported.
The fire appears to have started in the basement, which caused weakening in the spot on the floor where Gould fell through. He was wearing full protective gear, including a self-contained breathing apparatus, and other firefighters rescued him from the building, the report said.
“We are thankful the firefighter suffered only minor injuries and will make a full recovery,” Fitzgerald said. “Falling through the floor during a working structure fire is a scenario that our department trains and prepares for to ensure injured firefighters are quickly rescued and evaluated. Due to the other firefighters’ quick actions on the scene, the injured firefighter was located, removed from the building, and was immediately placed in the care of the on-scene ambulance for treatment and transportation.
“The firefighter did not suffer any burns because he was protected by his PPE (personal protective equipment). Life safety is our first priority; that is why we train diligently and study every incident to determine the cause and enhance training.”
No other firefighters were hurt, Fitzgerald said.
He said the church sustained significant damage.
The cause of the fire appeared to be a lightning strike, but the state Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating, De Soto Rural Fire reported.
Firefighters remained on the scene until about noon, Fitzgerald said.