Fellow Brothers   & Sisters;

I would like to take this time to address an incident that occurred in our district. At 9:37 am on December 17, 2008 the Marilla Fire Company was dispatched to 2437 Eldridge Road for the report of a possible structure fire.  Upon arrival Asst. Chief George Gertz discovered two vehicles in an open garage fully involved spreading through the house. Neighbors reported hearing coughing inside the structure and not seeing the occupants leaving earlier. With impending immediate life hazard Asst. Chief Gertz made the decision to start VES (Vent, Enter, and Search) operations.

With the help from an Asst. Chief from Jamison Road they were able to force entry to the structure at which time Asst. Chief Gertz found heavy smoke through out the structure approx. 3’ off the floor. At this time visible fire was seen throughout the main residence. He proceeded down the hall to where the neighbors hear the coughing at that time he heard an explosion and a ball of fire came down the hall that he was occupying. He made his way into the living area where the room then flashed over rendering him temporally disoriented. Gertz kept his calm and quickly made his way out of the structure where he collapsed outside.

Outside crews quickly dragged Gertz from the structure to a safe area and treatment began on his injuries. He was then transported to ECMC via Rural Metro Paramedics.  All occupants were out of the house. The family did lose two (2) family pets.

Assistant chief Gertz is currently admitted to ECMC with Non-Life Threatening injuries which include 1^st and 2^nd degree burns to his head, ears, and neck. 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns to his right and left hands, wrists, and fingers. Asst. Chief Gertz in expected to remain in the hospital until well after Christmas.

The Marilla Fire Company wishes to thank you for thoughts and prayers for Asst. Chief Gertz and our other members. Please keep Asst. Chief Gertz in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and speedy recovery. I would also like to thank all the Mutual Aid Fire Companies for there assistance at the fire and all the fire companies that have contacted me to offer there help. Updates will be given as we get them and placed on the county website or you can contact me myself at (716) 913-2933, or at chief@marillafire.com . Please send any cards, gifts, or donations to the Marilla Fire Company under the attention of Chief Ron Bourgeois Jr. At this time Assistant Chief Gertz can not accept anything due to the nature of his injury and the chance for infection.

 

                                                                                                  Thank You;

                                                                                                Ron Bourgeois Jr.

                                                                                                Chief, Marilla Fire Co.