85-Year-Old Woman Saved From Brookline Fire
BROOKLINE (CBS) – Firefighters pulled an 85-year-old woman from her burning home Thursday afternoon using an infrared camera.
The fire started in the basement of the triple-decker on Davis Avenue. Firefighters say thick, black smoke made it almost impossible to see inside.
"As you made your way deeper into the house, it got heavier and heavier," said Brookline Fire Captain John Teahan.
Firefighters held the fire in the basement. Captain Teahan, a 32-year veteran of the department, used an infrared camera during his primary search. He knew someone was still inside.
"I've never found someone using it. We always take them in on search and rescue," said Captain Teahan.
That camera located Jing Wong's unconscious body on the living room couch almost immediately.
"I saw her silhouette, her body heat… I wouldn't have been able to see her without the camera," said Captain Teahan.
Wong's adult children are incredibly grateful.
"We're very appreciative," said daughter Betty Chong.
"They did a wonderful job and I can't say enough about their service and their response," said son William Wong.
Reebok's former CEO first purchased the cameras for the Brookline Fire Department 25 years ago.
Today, the department has seven cameras.
Jing Wong's family tells WBZ-TV she is in intensive care at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
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