Firefighter dies, three others injured battling Memphis house fire
The deadly house fire occurred late Tuesday night in a South Memphis neighborhood.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Memphis Fire Department, along with the entire firefighting community, is mourning the loss of one of its own after a house fire took the life of one firefighter and nearly killed three others.
According to the MFD, fire crews responded to a home on Rile Street around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday and immediately began battling the blaze.
While efforts were underway to extinguish the fire, the commanding officer learned several firefighters had become trapped inside the house and within the blaze. One firefighter died in the fire and three others were transported to the hospital for treatment and were being closely monitored.
Memphis Fire identified the firefighter killed as Lt. Jeffrey Norman. The department said Norman began his career in Memphis in 2002.
Fire Chief Gina Sweat says Norman was a leader and hard worker who took pride in serving his community.
“We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice that firefighters exhibit every single day,” said Jim Strickland, the mayor of Memphis. “Also, we should all pray for the family and Memphis Fire Department family who are suffering from this tragic loss and for the firefighters in the hospital.”
Multiple fire agencies in Tennessee and across the country are expressing their grief and offering condolences to the Memphis Fire family:
Goodlettsville Fire Department:
Bay Fire Department in Arkansas:
Grand Rapids Fire Local 366:
Western Lakes Fire in Wisconsin:
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