Independence firefighter dies after suffering from medical emergency during fire call
An Independence firefighter died after experiencing a medical emergency while responding to a fire call Thursday afternoon, the city announced.
The firefighter’s name has not yet been released.
According to a news release from the city, the fire department was called to investigate a report of a residential fire around 1 p.m. in the 9600 block of 33rd Street South. Stations 2, 3, 4 and 5 responded.
When crews arrived, one of the firefighters reported feeling short of breath. The firefighter remained in the truck while others responded to the fire, which was determined to be an illegal open burn.
When they returned to the pumper truck, the news release stated, crews found the firefighter unresponsive.
Crews began rendering aid to the firefighter and he was taken to Centerpoint Medical Center in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead.
The city said further details would be released pending family notification.
Firefighters and public officials from around the Kansas City metro have responded to the news Thursday, offering their condolences and messages of support to the Independence Fire Department.
This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 6:40 PM.
