Firefighter suffers 2nd degree burns in house fire

About twenty volunteer firefighters answered the call for help bright and early Sunday morning, but unfortunately the fire was already fully involved once they got the call. The home located in the High Mountain Ranch subdivision of Castroville was sadly a total loss. No one was home when the fire broke out, but one of the firefighters who responded was injured and transported to the hospital.
“One of my firefighters was burned when steam and flames went up the leg of his turnout gear causing him to fall and fracture his ankle,” said Castroville Fire Chief Rick Lair. “He has 2nd degree burns. Greg has been giving to the fire service for 17 years. He is selfless and dedicated, and I am proud to be in the fire service with him.” Being able to help families in need clearly overshadows the many sacrifices our volunteer firemen make for selfless volunteers like fireman Greg DeHart, who was injured in the fire.
“I love being a volunteer fire fighter for the brother/sisterhood. We all come from different walks of life and all share a common goal to help others. I volunteer to help others. I have been in the fire service for over 18 years and have loved every minute of it,” said DeHart.
He was transported to the hospital for his injuries, and we wish him a speedy recovery. Volunteer firefighters make such a great sacrifice of their time and energy, and we owe them all a great thanks.
The cause of the fire was undetermined.
“The smoke was visible from Castroville, but it’s a hilly area so the home sites in this subdivision are fairly secluded. The homeowners left that morning and came back about 30 minutes later to find the house was fully involved.”
Castroville VFD, La Coste VFD and Mico VFD responded.
“Our departments and firefighters are completely volunteer, that means no matter how busy, how sick, how tired or what family event or birthday is going on they answer the call when the alarm rings, they risk their lives and the future of their loved ones every time that alarm rings,” Chief Lair said. “They do it for the good of their community, their friends and neighbors. A lot of times we know the people who are in trouble and it makes getting them out of mangled cars or a burning house personal. They see and have to do things no human should see. Where would we be without them?”
Local fire departments are in need of more volunteers, contact them today!