Burn Victim Critical
By 250 News
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:33 AM
Prince George, B.C. - A man who suffered burns in the blaze that destroyed the Columbus Hotel on Third Avenue in Prince George this morning, is being transported to Vancouver General Hospital.
The man is said to be in critical condition.
He was one of three people take to Prince George Regional Hospital this morning when the hotel burst into flames. The other two were treated for smoke inhalation and released.
Officials have accounted for all but one of the residents and staff of the hotel. The missing person is “J.J” said to be in his seventies.
Deputy Fire Chief John Lane says the building is far too hot to allow firefighters inside, he says if there is anyone in that structure, it will be a recovery, not a rescue.
The first crews arrived within 4 minutes, and found heavy smoke coming from vents in the exterior of the three storey brick building, with several people trapped at the windows on the second and third floor.
Six people were rescued using ladders.
Crews then attempted to enter the building to perform search and rescue, and encountered tremendous heat, smoke and fire conditions within a few feet of the front door. An exterior attack was commenced.
Currently, most of the roof has collapsed, and the ladder truck is flowing large volumes of water into the centre of the building where the majority of fire remains.
Crews have contained the fire damage to the Columbus, with no fire spread to the two immediately adjacent structures, H&R Block and the Generator night club.
Approximately 30 Firefighters are on the scene. The night shift has remained on duty, and other off-duty personnel have been called in to ensure coverage for the city.
A complete search of the scene will be performed when the fire is extinguished and the scene is safe to enter.
There are no damage estimates at this time. Investigation into the cause will commence once the fire is out and the remaining structure is safe for entry.
Third Avenue between Dominion Avenue and Quebec Avenue will be closed for until further notice.
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Posted by: grouchymomma on August 19 2008 10:43 AM