UPDATE: Bellefontaine firefighters have identified city resident Richard Banks, 77, as the man who was injured in a Wednesday night, July 16, fire at 1000 Garfield Ave., Lot 3.
As of about 3 p.m. Thursday, July 17, Mr. Banks was listed in critical condition at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Fire Chief Brian Wilson said.
Check back for updates.
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An elderly man was seriously injured in a mobile home fire Wednesday night, July 16, at 1000 Garfield Ave., Lot 3, Bellefontaine.
Bellefontaine firefighters were dispatched to the scene about 11:38 p.m. and observed “a working fire with heavy smoke,” Fire Chief Brian Wilson said.
Firefighters were informed that someone was inside the unit and began conducting a search.
A man, believed to be in his 70s, was found unresponsive lying on the living room floor.
Firefighters rescued the man from the unit and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Upon restoring his pulse, the man was transported by squad to Mary Rutan Hospital.
The man’s condition was stabilized at MRH and he was transferred by medical helicopter to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
Chief Wilson said the man sustained second-degree burns on his head, back and calves.
As of 8 a.m. Thursday, July 17, Wilson had not received an update on the man’s condition at OSU.
No other injuries were reported.
The fire started in the area of the stove and was quickly contained by firefighters. The cause has yet to be determined.
Fire damage was contained to the kitchen area, however, there was smoke and heat damage throughout the unit.
Employees of Eric Grandi Construction, who have replaced several of the Garfield Avenue mobile homes in the past couple of years, said at the scene it’s likely the unit is a total loss because of smoke damage.
They estimated the mobile home’s value at around $70,000.
Huntsville and Richland Township volunteer fire departments provided mutual aid.
Utility providers shut off gas and electric service to the unit.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the fire investigation.
Firefighters do not believe the blaze is suspicious at this time.
