Firefighter Dies After Early Morning Fire In Worcester
WORCESTER (CBS) -- A firefighter who was transported from the scene of a fire in Worcester has died, the fire department confirmed. Thirty-six-year-old Christopher Roy was a two year veteran of the Worcester Fire Department.
Firefighters responded to Lowell Street after a fire broke out in the basement of a three-story building at 3:58 a.m. The building contains six apartments.
"Ultimately the fire went to five alarms. Conditions deteriorated with heavy fire forcing several firefighters on the second floor to evacuate. With the assistance of other crews and the rapid intervention team, five firefighters escaped over ladders. Two firefighters were transported to a local hospital," said Fire Chief Michael Lavoie in a press conference.
The other firefighter who was transported is in stable condition.
"Fire crews were heroic in their efforts to rescue their colleagues under extreme conditions. Every person on the fire ground gave 110 percent to try and rescue the firefighters who were in danger," Lavoie continued.
Roy was a Shrewsbury resident. He leaves behind a nine-year-old daughter.
"Firefighter Roy paid the ultimate sacrifice last night, doing what he always wanted to do, helping people and saving lives," said Worcester Mayor Joesph Petty. "I join the people of our city in offering condolences to Firefighter Roy's family, he leaves a daughter and his parents. The people of Worcester are extremely proud of our fire department. We offer our thoughts and prayers to Firefighter Roy's fellow firefighters at the Webster Square Fire Station and across our city."
City Manager Edward Augustus said, "It is important that we know and appreciate how incredibly hard the men of the Worcester Fire Department fought to save Chris' life and we know how devastating this is to them."
It is unclear what started the fire.
A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles has been set up outside the Worcester fire house.
Oscar Mouuete escaped the fire, but lost everything. His thoughts, however, were with Roy and his family.
"I think they are very brave. It's a hard job. I think about their family now," he said.