7 people displaced, firefighters safe after being trapped in 3-alarm fire in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A three-alarm fire on Oak Street in Springfield nearly turned deadly when two firefighters were pinned underneath a ceiling that collapsed, pinning them to the ground.

We’re getting answers from the experts on how they train for these situations before the heat is on.

Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi said they train around the clock for these situations, so when they do happen, everyone knows their job.

On Wednesday morning, a three-alarm fire decimated a three-story home on Oak Street.

“It happened really quickly,” said Toni Stabilo. “It was scary, it really was.”

Seven people and three dogs are displaced, and officials said the home is unlivable. But a scary situation could have been tragic as a ceiling collapsed on two firefighters pinning them against the ground as they battled the fire.

“There was a mayday struck for two firefighters, who were trapped so a third alarm was struck,” said Capt. Drew Piemonte.

“Ceilings fall on us a lot of the time, but when it actually pins to the floor is the next level above,” said Commissioner Calvi.

The officers were able to quickly free themselves and escape with no injuries.

“In this case it was probably about 40 seconds, so a lot happens in that compressed timeframe,” said Commissioner Calvi.

Springfield Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi told Western Mass News they train constantly for these situations.

“...Because when something like that happens, it’s not the time to be practicing it,” said Commissioner Calvi.

Starting with radio silence to figure out who’s unaccounted for and putting a “rescue intervention team” or “RIT” to work.

“We put the RIT company into service trying to get them in there to see if they can assist with the rescue,” said Commissioner Calvi.

A debrief will follow in the days to come which is protocol after every big fire to assess what went right, what went wrong, accompanied by more training.

“It’s a key element for fire fighter safety, the RIT is the rapid intervention team we continually train on rent functions, and we continually train on mayday operations to make sure they go smoothly,” Commissioner Calvi.

As for those impacted by this fire, the American Red Cro is assisting with the displaced family.

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

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