New York Firefighter Falls Through Floor, Calls Mayday

Rochester Firefighters had to rescue one of their own while fighting a three-alarm fire Wednesday morning. Firefighters were called to a four-unit townhouse at 120 Arnett Boulevard around 4 a.m.

According to Deputy Chief Scotty Williams, while a firefighter was fighting the fire on the second story of the townhouse, he fell through the floor but was able to catch himself before he went all the way through.

A second firefighter that was working with him noticed the floor was giving way and jumped into a bathtub before he too went through the floor.

The distressed firefighter called for help and a mayday was put into effect. According to the chief when a mayday is called, all communication shuts down except that between the distressed firefighter and the crew. They also have a crew ready specifically to help in a mayday situation.

The firefighter was able to free himself, and he was taken out through a first floor window. He was not seriously injured.

It took crews about 45 minutes to get the fire under control. Fire officials said the townhouse was being renovated and no one currently lived there.

The cause and origin of the fire are not known at this time and arson officials are investigating.