Marion County firefighters plucked a woman who was confined to a bed and two dogs from a burning Belleview motel Friday night.
Multiple crews from Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the Vin-Mar Motel, located at 5-18 S.E. Abshier Blvd., at 6:09 p.m. after receiving calls about a structure fire. A 911 caller reported that one room was on fire, it was unknown if any of the other rooms were occupied and bystanders were attempting to knock down the flames, a report states.
Crews aboard Rescue 530 and Heavy Rescue 1 arrived at 6:14 p.m. to find heavy flames in two rooms with smoke billowing out of the entire building. The lieutenant aboard Heavy Rescue 1 established command over the structure fire and directed a primary search of the facility.
Firefighters forced entry into all of the rooms and located the woman in her bed. They quickly removed her from the room and she was transported to a local hospital for suspected smoke inhalation. Firefighters also saved two small dogs from the burning building.
While en route to the blaze, a division chief called out a second alarm to ensure enough manpower was available to fight the blaze. Belleview Engine Company #18, Spruce Creek Truck Company #1, Villages Engine Company #10, Rolling Greens Engine Company #28 and Heavy Rescue #2 then arrived and the crews aggressively attacking the fire with multiple hose lines.
Firefighters were able to stop the flames from spreading into adjoining rooms and the blaze was called under control at 6:40 p.m. The cause and origin of the fire is currently under investigation by the Marion County Fire Rescue Fire Marshal.
“I could be no prouder of the men and women of Marion County Fire Rescue this evening,” said Fire Chief James Banta. “Our firefighters did exactly what our citizens expect in carrying out our mission of saving lives and protecting property. Relying on their training and muscle memory, Heavy 1 crews were able to complete a grab and administer immediate emergency care while en route to the hospital.”
